Watch Amateur

Amateur, a 2018 sports drama directed by Ryan Koo and produced by Divide/Conquer, is a coming of age story that explores various issues that young athletes often face while navigating the world of professional sports. The movie chronicles the life of a 14-year-old basketball prodigy named Terron Forte (Michael Rainey Jr.), who dreams of playing for the NBA someday. Terron's talent is undeniable, but he comes from a low-income family, and his mother struggles to make ends meet by working long hours at a factory.

One day, a famous basketball scout named Coach Gaines (Josh Charles) spots Terron playing in a local game and offers him a place at an elite prep school. Terron's mother is hesitant at first, but Coach Gaines convinces her that this is Terron's chance to make something of himself.

At the prep school, Terron is thrust into a world that is vastly different from the one he's used to. He meets new friends, including a teammate named Bobby (Tekola Cornetet), who befriends him and shows him the ropes. At the same time, Terron struggles to adapt to the intense academic workload and the high-pressure environment of the school.

As the story unfolds, Amateur explores various themes, including the pressure that young athletes face to perform, the corrupt business of college basketball, and the sacrifices that families make in pursuit of their children's dreams.

One of the most significant themes of the movie is the pressure that young athletes face to perform. Terron is under immense pressure to prove himself, not just on the court but also in the classroom. He faces constant scrutiny from his coach, his teammates, and the media, and the fear of failure is always looming. As the stakes get higher, Terron's struggle to maintain his focus becomes even more challenging, which takes a toll on his mental health.

Another theme that the movie explores is the corrupt business of college basketball. Terron's dream is to play for the NBA, but he soon realizes that the road to the pros is paved with shady deals and under-the-table payments. He sees firsthand how college athletes are exploited for the financial gain of others and how the system is stacked against them. The movie takes a critical look at the NCAA and the various stakeholders that profit from college sports while the athletes struggle to make ends meet.

The final theme of the movie is the sacrifices that families make in pursuit of their children's dreams. Terron's mother, who is a single parent, works long hours at a factory to provide for her family. She sees Terron's talent as his ticket out of poverty and is willing to do whatever it takes to support him. However, as Terron gets more involved in the world of elite sports, their relationship becomes strained, and Terron must choose between his dreams and his family.

Overall, Amateur is a compelling and nuanced exploration of the challenges that young athletes face, both on and off the court. Michael Rainey Jr. delivers a standout performance as Terron, capturing both the passion and fear that drive him. The supporting cast, including Tekola Cornetet and Josh Charles, are equally impressive, bringing depth and complexity to their roles.

The movie's cinematography is also worth noting, as it captures both the gritty reality of Terron's world and the glossy shine of the elite prep school. The basketball scenes are well shot and add to the movie's tense and dramatic atmosphere.

In conclusion, Amateur is a well-crafted and thought-provoking drama that will leave viewers with much to ponder. It's a movie that will resonate with anyone who has ever dreamed of a better life or faced seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

Amateur is a 2018 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9.