The Diva's
"Love & Basketball" Review

WARNING - SPOILERS BELOW.

Ok. So I hear about this little movie called "Love & Basketball". The story of two black teenagers whose lives revolve around basketball. I said to myself, "Oh LAWD here we go again. Another story about impoverished black youngsters trying to get out of the hood and the only way they can do it is by getting sports scholarships - WHATEVAH."

Boy was I wrong. Happily, I was wrong. Before I even say anything about this movie let tell you this - go see it. I'm not just saying this because it's a "black" movie. Anyone who knows me, knows I'd roast it if it was bad. This is a wonderful story about loyalty, faith, love, hardships, desire, passion, and drive. Strong yet vulnerable people who make honest mistakes.

Love & Basketball opens up to the driving beat of "Love and Happiness" by Al Green, which sets the tone for the entire movie. It's First Quarter and a young Quincy is outside playing basketball with his 3 buddies. They are contemplating the new boy next door when the little boy shows up and asks to play ball. Quincy and the gang agree and the little boy takes off his hat, only to reveal that he is a she and she promptly mops up the court with them. From this point on, a then 11 year old Monica, decides that Quincy is the man for her.

Fast forward to Second Quarter at Crenshaw High. Both Monica and Quincy play varsity basketball. Quincy, the son of a famous basketball player, doesn't have to work hard at all. Things comes to him on a silver platter - including the girls. But Monica has to work extra hard for everything. The girls come to her to get next to Quincy. It's clear that Monica is in love with Quincy, but he sees her as nothing more than one of the guys. They become a shoulder for the other to lean on. Quincy because his parents are always fighting and Monica because she has a strained relationship with her mother.

Third and Fourth Quarter follows their lives through adulthood and the hurdles they face as they mature.

I really can't say it enough. This is a must see. All I kept thinking about was all the shy girls that I knew who blossomed into beautiful and self-assured women. I also identified with this movie personally on several levels. For one I'm the same age as the characters, so I identified with the hair, clothes and music. My best friend played basketball for the same college and at the same time as portrayed in the movie. This movie is rated PG-13, if I had children (especially girls) and they were around 13, I'd most definitely take them to see it.

"What are you waiting on?"

"Sanaa Lathan and Omar Epps do not disappoint. Alfre Woodward and Debi Morgan sneak in very strong performances. Go see this."