Macerat It's Difficult NOT To Enjoy This Movie

Nessieldwi Very interesting film. Was caught on the premise when seeing the trailer but unsure as to what the outcome would be for the showing. As it turns out, it was a very good film.

Voxitype Good films always raise compelling questions, whether the format is fiction or documentary fact.

PiraBit if their story seems completely bonkers, almost like a feverish work of fiction, you ain't heard nothing yet.

Michael Mendez The time has finally come for me to watch the documentary that Roger Ebert himself CREDITS "one of the greatest films of the decade." Well, I was not let down one bit, but I definitely wouldn't go as far to consider it that high of a review. But one things is for sure, it was definitely worth it, watching Steve James's HOOP DREAM.Our story follows two aspiring young high school students from Chicago who dream of becoming the next big thing in BASKETBALL. One is Arthur Agee and the others name is William Gates; the two differ in many ways, but luckily, their stories really don't intertwine. — What I found really amusing during this 3 HOUR MOVIE was how dynamic each character is and what their purpose to this story was. Such as the parents! Arthur's family undergoes a lot of dysfunctional problems, and only time will tell if their story is a good one.I believe this film is great for young basketball dreamers, but also any young adult who decides to follow their dreams. One can connect really easily with the lifestyle and realize that it isn't just about (winning) the game. It has much more to do with that.I RATE this doc a 8 out of 10 on IMDb. Nothing too unique, but definitely something that should not be missed. Students who study documentary filmmaking can really learn a lot from this feature. If it is one thing that it teaches you, it is that YOU CAN ONLY LEARN FROM THE BEST.— Michael Mendez

Benedict_Cumberbatch I'd heard a lot about this documentary, but had never seen it. I've even read comments by few people calling it their favourite film, "even though it's a documentary" (as if that was a bad thing!). It's understandable to see why this film speaks to the hearts of so many people."Hoop Dreams" follows two teenaged Chicago residents, Arthur Agee and William Gates, and their dreams of becoming professional basketball players - more than that, basketball superstars a la Michael Jordan. From their first year of high school until they start college, we observe all of the expectations, efforts, joy, disappointments, and numerous obstacles that make their journey.Will Agee and Gates manage to overcome all the obstacles and become more than most of their peers even dream to achieve? The suspense is well-built through clever editing and a good sense of rhythm, pace and storytelling (documenting is also storytelling, after all), and the film doesn't feel 170 minutes long. By the end, you realize you've watched two real people growing up and doing what they can or cannot - failing and trying again - to achieve their goals and dreams, no matter what are the odds imposed by their economical and social backgrounds. Hoop Dreams come(s) true as both a slice of life and a fascinating socio-anthropological study. Not bad for a 'basketball documentary'.

Kevin H The documentary is very real, authentic, and touching.It is about two young men in their teens trying to make it in basketball. The movie capture about 5 years of their life in high school as basketball player.They came from tough neighborhoods. Their families went though touch times just to make sure their kids turn out alright. I have a lot of respect for them and their family as well as their school.The movie is almost 3 hour long but every moment is worth watching. A shorter version would not be sufficient to show so much truth and reality.I would recommend this movie for anybody who have have kids who are pursuing an athletic career. They would get a chance to learn the lesson from the two young men and their families.A great work! I would like to thank the filmmakers and the two families.

gcd70 Strong, incisive docu-drama that follows the aspirations and misfortunes of two very talented teenage sensations from basketball crazy Chicago.Film gets inside the minds and lives of both these boys as they race toward adulthood and hopeful stardom. Steve James and Peter Gilbert do a great job in giving us an expose on both the youngster's psyche's and less fortunate African-American families in Harlem.Especially good is our journey into the lives of the Agee family. Perhaps basketball fans will get more out of it than most, but all audiences are sure to gain something from this quality documentary which is as much a social study as it is a sports commentary.Monday, August 31, 1998 - Hoyts Croydon