More Than a Game (PG, 2009)

As kids in Akron, Ohio, LeBron James, Dru Joyce III, Willie McGee, and Sian Cotton became the best of friends -- a friendship that translated to their playing skills on the basketball court. Inspirational documentary MORE THAN A GAME focuses mainly on their high school years at St. Vincent-St. Mary and the trials and tribulations they faced as their winning streak led to national fame. They were forced to break in a new coach in their junior year, as well as a temperamental fifth player, Romeo Travis. Plus, they had to deal with things like growth spurts, scheduling conflicts, and suspensions. Ultimately, issues of pride and arrogance are faced and dealt with through the power of family, passion, and dedication.

An ordinary documentary probably would have focused exclusively on the achievements of NBA superstar LeBron James, but More Than a Game gives equal time to James' teammates and their own trials and tribulations. The movie isn't particularly imaginative or artistic in its presentation -- director Kristopher Belman uses the usual collection of talking heads, video clips, and computer-enhanced photographs. But the skilled editing eventually brings out the personalities of all five players, adding an emotional stake to the footage of key games, such as the diminutive Dru Joyce III's first freshman game, the junior year championship game, or the crucial period during which James was benched.

Bottom line? More Than a Game is a class act, keeping the story clean and upright but not shying away from the players' difficult origins and the realities therein.

Studio: Lionsgate
Director: Kristopher Belman
Cast: Dru Joyce, Romeo Travis
Genre: Documentary
Run time: 105 minutes
Theatrical release: October 2, 2009
DVD release: February 2, 2010
MPAA Rating: PG
MPAA explanation: brief mild language and incidental smoking