Watch Above the Rim

Above the Rim is a 1994 American sports drama film directed by Jeff Pollack, starring Duane Martin, Tupac Shakur, and Leon. The movie revolves around basketball and hip-hop culture and follows the life of Kyle Lee, a talented basketball player from Harlem, who dreams of playing in the NBA. The film opens with a high school basketball game between two rival teams in Harlem, Kyle Lee's team and Shep's team. Kyle is the star player of his team, but he faces stiff competition from Shep, who is equally talented but has a troubled past. Shep recruits Kyle to play for his hustler boss, Birdie, and promises to help him achieve his dream of playing in the NBA.

Kyle idolizes Birdie, who is a former basketball player-turned-drug dealer, and sees him as a father figure. However, Shep warns him about Birdie's true colors and tries to steer him away from his influence. Kyle's life takes a turn for the worse when his mother dies, and he is forced to move in with his estranged father.

As the basketball season progresses, tensions between the players and their coach escalate, leading to a showdown between Kyle and Shep on the court. Meanwhile, Birdie's involvement in the drug business creates a dangerous situation for Kyle, who finds himself caught in the middle of a violent conflict.

Above the Rim is a story of ambition, loyalty, and betrayal set against the backdrop of Harlem's street culture. The movie explores the themes of poverty, crime, and the lure of fast money, and how these factors can have a profound impact on the lives of young people. Throughout the film, the characters struggle to reconcile their dreams with the harsh realities of their environment, and must make tough choices that will have significant consequences.

Duane Martin delivers a strong performance as Kyle Lee, conveying the character's passion, resilience, and vulnerability with authenticity. Tupac Shakur also shines as Birdie, bringing a menacing quality to the role of the charismatic drug dealer. The chemistry between Martin and Shakur is palpable, adding depth to their characters' complicated relationship. Leon's portrayal of Shep is equally impressive, capturing the character's bitterness and cynicism with nuance.

The movie's soundtrack features some of the biggest names in hip-hop, including Tupac Shakur, Dr. Dre, and Warren G, among others. The music adds to the film's gritty, urban atmosphere, and serves as a time capsule of 90s hip-hop culture.

In conclusion, Above the Rim is a classic sports drama film that offers a powerful commentary on the issues facing young people in urban environments. The movie's captivating performances, poignant storyline, and immersive soundtrack make it a must-watch for fans of sports dramas and hip-hop culture alike.

Above the Rim is a 1994 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.