Review of Hoop Dreams (1994) by Jonny P — 05 Aug 2012

"Hoop Dreams" is impressive due to the simple fact that it chronicles the lives of two inner-city children through their teenage years. It brings attention to the many obstacles faced by children coming from low socio-economic means including violence, teen pregnancy, drugs, and an expectation of failure.

I was prepared for most of these things but was surprised by the sometimes negative tone that high school sports were exploitative and over-prioritized by institutions. This film works because of empathy.

Any movie-goer who has enjoyed academic or financial success can look at these kids who are in less-than-ideal circumstances and want them to succeed. It is interesting that this film can be so gripping without a "Rocky"-like storyline where the kid hits the game-winning shot at the buzzer (or at all for that matter).

This is non-fiction and the success of the child is measured by personal growth, not by a buzzer-beater. Although it is definitely long-winded, it is also comprehensive and covers all aspects of the high school sports experience, including recruitment, injury, success, failure, being benched for being late, making parents proud, failing to meet your potential, etc.

You definitely need to be a sports fan for this one to hold your interest. Even though it's a study of humanity, you have to understand sports as a motivating factor in order to relate to these families.