Hoop Dreams

It is easy to see why this documentary is so highly praised. It feels flawless because it takes its time and the story it is trying to tell is straight-forward but not at all simple. We grow with the prospects and are taken along on a very complex ride that exposes an intricate system that reveals itself layer by layer throughout the film. it is 2.5 hours but the time flies by because in many ways it is not enough time to reveal the lives and hopes of these young men and their families. My son is 3 and I am already plotting on when we will watch this film together, it's that important.

Hoop Dreams is a truly special film. Following the journeys of these two boys over several years results in one of the most honest depictions of American life I have ever seen. Its long and far from visually stunning. But some incredibly moving, emotional and tense moments that make up for its faults.

I have a book called 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die, and this is a suggested movie. I loved this movie, it was so enthralling that you forget that it's almost 3 hours long. It has some swearing and talk about teen pregnancy, but that's life. Great documentary, one of the greatest ever made!

This movie is absolutely mind-blowing. Everything about it is just fantastic. Literally everyone should see this movie. It is heartbreaking, moving, touching, powerful, and just very, very good. It even has Spike Lee. DEFINITELY SEE HOOP DREAMS. You will love it.

The subject matter could have and should have made this a great movie, but it was too long. It was boring. Justice could've been done in 2-2 1/2 hours. Also, if I remember the movie right, while the one boy got into the college of his choice, the other couldn't do so because of a lack of money. How's that for the message never to give up on your dreams? I know that this often happens in real life, but that defeats the purpose of a movie like this.

Whereas the Oscar winner from a couple years back, "Undefeated," focused primarily on the efforts of the coach, this documentary is laboriously devoted to uncovering the lives of two young adult black males eyeing for a dream to play in the NBA. Tracking their entire high school career as basketball players, sons, partners, students, teenagers, "Hoop Dreams" allows you to peek behind the curtain of urban life in a way I found utterly fascinating. Kids will be detracted by the nearly three hour running time, but it's a worthwhile investment, as you see Arthur and William come of age along with their families. It's an achievement that doubtfully will go matched. For your children, who should see this as they're coming of age themselves, it provides a great message to never give up on your dreams, even if you have to pick yourselves up sometimes.