Above the Rim

Forsaking teamwork to impress a university scout, high-school basketball star Kyle-Lee Watson (Martin) succeeds in alienating teammates and coach. The only person he impresses is his friend Bugaloo (Wayans), who introduces him to drug-dealer Birdie (Shakur). Seduced by the promise of fame and fortune, Kyle abandons the school squad to run instead with the Birdmen in the upcoming street basketball tournament. It's unclear if this is a realistic depiction of black youth culture, but it's certainly a moral one. A formula script, but a mobile camera, pulsing rap soundtrack and a game cast whip up the necessary fizz.