Review of Fast Break (1979) by Corey C — 09 Aug 2008

Like most TV stars who have had success, Gabe Kaplan got his chance to try his hand at movies. With a familiar role, as mentor to a group of deliquent young men, wisecracking his way into their hearts and assuring their success.

Some have argued that the movie falls apart early and never recovers. I disagree. While it starts out fast it does slow a bit but not to the point where the movie is not enjoyable. Greene (Kaplan) is an aspiring coah but no one wants him.

Eventually he gets his lucky break when Cadwallader University, in rural Nevada contacts him. This college is trying to make a name for itself by starting a basketball program, and they can not even pay Greene (Kaplan).

With a terrible salery and the promise that he can bring anyone he wants for the team he sets out to inner city New York. He recruits a team of three African American men and one woman and transplants them to an all white college.

The team struggles, as finding a fifth man proves difficult, their grades aren't showing enough promise to keep them in school, and they have no idea how they are ever going to play State without being in their division.

The movie is easy to watch but the humor never really rises so if your looking for a "laugh out loud" type of movie this is way to subtle. Basketball fans might also enjoy seeing NBA star Bernard King as Hustler, one of the main players of the team.

I personally love the "Interesting" relationship between DC (Harold Sylvester of Married with Children fame) and Swish (Mavis Washington). Swish pretends to be a man though most of the movie which leads to some interesting moments with DC that are both enjoyable and funny.

This movie is for those who want a light, feel good comedy.