Review of The Basketball Diaries (1995) by Andrew C — 21 Oct 2008
Leo announced himself to Hollywood early on in this starring role as Jim Carroll, a former heroin addict now a famous poet and rocker. The film follows Jim and his buddies (including a very young Mark Wahlberg) who spend their days hanging in the streets playing basketball and going to catholic school where most of them are members of the basketball team with a good chance of college scholarships.
Unfortunately after his good friend Bobby dies of leukemia Jim goes off the rails, seeking solace in crack and soon he finds himself kicked out of home and school and living it rough on the streets. It's pretty strong stuff but you do get the feeling you've seen this all before.
Di caprio is solid in the main role and Ernie Hudson has a decent role as an ex junkie who tries to pick Jim back off the streets. If you liked this then try Requiem For a Dream, it's a better drug film imo.
This has a great soundtrack too btw.
This review of The Basketball Diaries (1995) was written by Andrew C on 21 Oct 2008.
The Basketball Diaries has generally received positive reviews.
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