Movie Guys: Spike and Denzel team up to win the ‘Game’

Friday, May 1, 1998 | 9:37 a.m.

* Grades: Jeff, A; Dave, B.

* Starring: Denzel Washington, Ray Allen, Milla Jovovich, Rosario Dawson, Hill Harper and Ned Beatty.

* Screenplay: Spike Lee.

* Director: Spike Lee.

* Rated: R for adult themes, profanity, nudity and strong sexual content.

* Running time: 127 minutes.

* Playing at: Cinedome 12 Henderson, Rancho Santa Fe 16, Century Orleans 12, ACT III Boulder Station, ACT III Village Square, UA Showcase mall, UA Green Valley.

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Synopsis: Academy Award winner Denzel Washington stars as Jake Shuttlesworth, a prisoner who has a second chance at freedom. He is allowed out of prison to persuade his estranged son, Jesus, (Ray Allen) -- the No. 1 high school basketball player -- to sign with the Governor's alma mater. If he can, Jake has the promise of a commuted sentence.

Jeff: I've seen a lot of Spike Lee "joints" (Lee's verbage for his films) -- 11 of them in fact. Each joint draws attention to African-American social issues -- racial tension, interracial relationships, even some cool jazz. So, when this new joint opened, I thought I knew Lee well enough to know what to expect. I was wrong, and taken completely by surprise. "He Got Game" is a monumental achievement in his career, with every frame displaying the polished style he has contributed to the art of cinema.

Dave: Lee has made his face known in the basketball spotlight by starring as Mars Blackmon in Nike commercials. He can be found courtside at every New York Knicks game, and knows practically every player in the NBA on a personal level. So it was only a matter of time before Lee made a movie that centers around his beloved sport. The irony is that he has produced his best picture to date.

He creates a potent look inside the essence of the game, exposing every dark element and influence that the business of the game possesses. Mixed in is a heavy story about family and social issues, told through a bitter relationship between a father and son.

Jeff: I couldn't care less about the basketball aspect, but I understand the importance of its role in the plot. It was the intriguing story about a father and son that sent me over the hoop in "He Got Game." The theme of making decisions and their potential outcome was the core of the film.

Jesus Shuttleworth (Allen) is the No. 1 high school draft pick in the country. He is overwhelmed by friends, coaches and family members, all wanting to help him make the most important decision in his life. But, they don't have Jesus' best interests in mind -- only his prison-bound father, Jake (Denzel Washington), does. Does Jesus do what's best for himself and his family, or does he help a father with whom he has remained angry since the death of his mother? Therein lies the gripping drama.

Dave: Allen, the Milwaukee Bucks' guard and acting rookie, impresses not only on the court, but also on the big screen. He brings a certain amount of realism and experience to the film, adding to its documentary feel in "Hoop Dreams" fashion. In an exciting montage, familiar faces in basketball praise the fictitious young athlete, Jesus -- from college coaches and sports announcers to NBA players, including Michael Jordan, who ends by saying, "he got game."

Granted, Lee may have exaggerated some of the fine lines in college recruiting and campus life, but his depiction of the family home and the pressures of a young individual are true.

Jeff: I didn't even know that Allen was a professional ball player, but his acting debut was sensational. He portrayed a teenager overwhelmed with responsibility while fighting his naive perception of the adult world he is about to enter. The reconciliation that occurs between Jake and Jesus is a long, bumpy journey on a road that is paved with redemption, forgiveness and respect.

This is Lee's moment of evolution as a master storyteller. The emotion of family is a theme that translates into all cultures and creeds -- and one that he has weaved skillfully with intense emotional performances by Milla Jovovich, and some of Lee's regulars, Bill Nunn and Thomas Jefferson Byrd.

Dave: Washington delivers a sharp performance, breaking away from the recent garbage he has been subjected to by Hollywood (his last offering was this year's weak thriller, "Fallen"). Besides, why would he do anything less than fine? This is Spike Lee, after all, who cast him as the lead in the controversial story of "Malcolm X," and as the talented jazz musician in "Mo' Better Blues." Lee seems to tap into Washington's dynamic talents as an actor. He conveys the struggle of personal pride when he earnestly tries to form a relationship with his estranged son and actually comes to terms with the loss of respect in his family's home.

Jeff: The movie's surprises happen at the very beginning. Lee uses various musical works by Aaron Copland, one of the most prominent classical composers of the 20th century, including "Fanfare For the Common Man," which perfectly personifies the struggle Jesus and Jake face. The score isn't entirely classical, however: Public Enemy tears up the woofers in the theater with the film's title song. The soundtrack is a slam dunk!

"He Got Game" is, so far, one of the best films I've seen this year -- an emotional powerhouse. So, if you have never seen a Spike Lee joint, now is the time to go -- no reservations required.

Dave:

Isn't Jeff cute, using hip basketball slang and terminology? Anyway, I couldn't agree with him more on the fact that this is truly the best film of 1998 so far. Lee uses unique transitions -- distinctive of Oliver Stone -- to enhance his storytelling, all the while adding a poet's touch to his artistic vision as a filmmaker. The best example of this is in the final climactic scene: Lee captures the audience with a magical moment that will leave you uplifted.

Once again, Lee did the right thing.

MOVIE BUZZ

With the summer movie season about to explode onto silver screens across the country, Hollywood's top talents are already planning what could be next year's big-budget blockbusters:

* Spielberg's "Memoirs": Director Steven Spielberg, whose "Saving Private Ryan" is one of the contenders for summer moviegoers' money, will next helm a film version of Arthur Golden's book, "Memoirs of a Geisha." It's the the story of a Japanese geisha's life as she is transformed from an inquisitive young girl to the most sought-after geisha in Japan. As she rises to the height of her profession, World War II erupts and she must use the influence of one her patrons to save her life.

* "Godzilla" team hits "The Mark": The producers behind "Independence Day" and "Godzilla," Dean Devlin and Roland Emmerich, have signed on to shepherd Will Smith in the comic book-inspired action flick "The Mark" for Universal. The movie follows Mike Collins (Smith), a regular guy who gains super-human abilities when a mysterious stranger leaves an odd mark on his hand.

* Cage to play Man of Iron instead?: Now that "Superman Lives" has been shelved, rumors are flying faster than a speeding bullet that Nicolas Cage will take on another super-heroic role. He's said to be interested in playing Marvel Comics' "Iron Man." A far cry from the Clark Kent/Superman role, Iron Man is an armored hero bearing advanced weaponry. Inside the suit is Tony Stark, billionaire playboy and mechanical genius with a secret: Due to an accident, Stark needs a life support system built into his super-armor to keep his heart beating. If anything happens to his armor ... well, you get the picture. Cage has been attached to the project, on and off, for two years.

VIEWPOINT

Guess who The Movie Guys met? Here are a few hints: He was Ponyboy's older brother and cleaned up the Double Duce Saloon; he dressed in drag while searching for Julie Newmar; his "Dirty Dancing" set the nation on fire and he's probably the most popular "Ghost" to appear in a movie. Give up? We met Patrick "Show-this-man-to-the-door" Swayze.

We strolled into Planet Hollywood Las Vegas last Saturday and, while seated at our regular table (the one next to the Devil's Mountain prop from "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" and Gene Hackman's hat from "Unforgiven"), who entered from the back doors but heartthrob Swayze. Camera flashes blinded the superstar and deafening screams of affection filled the air. After making his way past the media and blowing kisses to his fans, Swayze dedicated the leather jacket he wore in new his film, "Black Dog," which opens nationwide today, to the restaurant.

He made his way to our table, where we had our own conversation, talking about his recovery from a horse riding accident and gossiping about his new film and future projects. He was way cool -- every bit the gentleman and as down-to-earth as you can get. We wish you could've been there. If you want more details about our chat, look for our "10 Questions with Patrick Swayze" feature in the next issue of Scope magazine.

NAME THAT FLICK

"That's my theme music. Every good hero should have some. See you around." We had no phone callson that one -- not even a guess! Hasn't anybody seen "I'm Gonna Get You Sucka?" For shame, because it's a comedy classic.

Let's try an easier quote. Who said this and in what film: "I'm not an actor, I'm a movie star!"? Does that sound familiar? If you think you know, take a chance and call The Movie Guys Hotline at 225-9026, or e-mail us at movieguys5@aol.com (discard after use). Be sure to spell your name and leave a daytime phone number and, if you're the first correct caller/e-mailer, we will print your name here in our column -- now featuring half the calories of regular columns -- for the entire Vegas valley to read.

See you next week.

THE MOVIE GUYS, starring Jeff Howard and Dave Neil, appears every Friday in the SUN (additional material provided by Thomas Feeney). You can also read their capsule reviews of movies in Scope magazine and watch their reviews every Friday on Channel 3's 11 p.m. newscast. Plus, check them out online at: www.lasvegassun.com/sun/sunlife/ movies.

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