There was a cultural moment when
Do the Right Thing and
Thelma and Louise opened up the discussion of race and gender in this country. Around the same time,
White Men Can't Jump came out and exploited both those interests in what is essentially two hours of race- and gender-baiting jokes and put-downs. What's more, it may entertain, but it's just not funny enough.
The basketball scenes here are all showboating and predictable. By the time Billy and Sidney meet their third mark, the results are obvious and boring. There's little tension here about what's going to happen, so you'd like the dialogue to at least be entertaining. And it is -- if you grew up in a locker room. There are moments of great "your momma" jokes, but mostly the jokes, like the basketball scenes, grow tired and repetitive quickly. Only true basketball fans, or fans of the actors, will love this one.