Gunnin' For That #1 Spot review

Beastie Boy follows the dreams of high school basketball players across America

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For millions of kids across America, playing in the NBA is their life’s goal. Beastie Boy Adam Yauch’s ace documentary follows eight of the best high school basketball players in the land, part of an ‘Elite 24’ picked to compete at Harlem’s legendary Rucker Park, an outdoor court and Mecca for hoop fans.

After a straightforward first hour that introduces the eight while revealing the dedication required and the pressures of ‘making it’, the action switches to the game
itself. The skill and athleticism on display is extraordinary, as these future multi-millionaires dribble, float and glide around the court with gob-walloping ease.

OK, so it’s not quite as searching as Hoop Dreams, but it’s hugely enjoyable all the same and boasts – as you’d expect – a terrific soundtrack.

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