Even people who aren’t sports fans and have never heard of National Basketball Association (NBA) star LeBron James can enjoy this well-told underdog story. Five talented young basketball players from Akron, Ohio, coached by a dedicated father with no official training in basketball, went on to win the championships against long-established school teams with highly trained professional coaches.
The True Story of LeBron James and the Fab Five
Led by high-point earner and media favorite LeBron James, the team consisting of Sian Cotton, Dru Joyce III, Willie McGee, and Romeo Travis, and coached by Dru Joyce II, learns as much about friendship during their seven-year rags-to-riches journey as they do about the game of basketball.
Who knew back then that these guys would become famous, and that LeBron in particular would go on to become an NBA superstar? Or that James would sign on to star in a new movie – the feature film Fantasy Basketball Camp – which begins shooting next summer? Director Kristopher Belman might have had an inkling. Footage of the early practices, games, and behind-the-scenes action are included in this documentary, in addition to professional new footage shot specifically for the film.
Triumphs On and Off the Basketball Court
Besides the stunning moves on the basketball court, viewers witness other triumphs as well. How James overcame an impoverished single-parent home; how Dru Joyce III used his small size to his unexpected advantage; and how Dru Joyce II worked through losses and criticism to become the mentor and coach the boys needed to succeed. Told simply and without unnecessary drama, the story itself is so uplifting and empowering that it’s impossible not to cheer these five boys on to victory.
Much of the early game footage appears shaky, grainy, and out of focus. Surely no one had anticipated that this footage someday would make it to movie theater auditoriums around the world. The coverage includes middle school and high school games that would have been otherwise unavailable. Despite the poor quality of this early footage, the emotional quality of the team’s victories and losses come through quite clearly.
More Than a Game is Inspirational
Professional cinematography, including recent interviews with the Fab Five and their families, combined with archival news footage, home videos, and personal family photographs present an entertaining story of the strength of the human spirit. Not only is More Than a Game a documentary about LeBron James, but also about the other players and their coach, Dru Joyce II, a heroic man who changed as circumstances dictated, and used his weaknesses as opportunities for personal growth.
The inspirational nature of this documentary also lends itself to music. A CD titled Music Inspired by the Film More Than a Game features hip-hop artist Mary J. Blige singing the ballad “Stronger.” (See this music video on YouTube.) Additional artists included on the soundtrack include Jay-Z, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, and Eminem.
- More Than a Game
- This documentary explores basketball’s “Fab Five” consisting of LeBron James, Sian Cotton, Dru Joyce III, Willie McGee, and Romeo Travis.
- Starring The Fab Five and Coach Dru Joyce II
- Director: Kristopher Belman
- Writers: Kristopher Belman, Brad Hogan
- Run Time: 105 minutes
- Rating: PG (for brief mild language and smoking)
For more information about More Than a Game, visit the official website.
 |
