He Got Game - Episode 249

This week on Black on Black Cinema, the crew returns to discuss the 1998 Spike Lee film, "He Got Game" starring Denzel Washington and Ray Allen. The film explores the intricate dynamics of the Shuttlesworth family, centered around the promising high-school basketball player, Jesus Shuttlesworth. Jesus is at a crossroads, pursued by the nation's top college basketball programs while navigating the return of his father, Jake, a convicted felon released temporarily to persuade him to join the governor's alma mater - "Big State."As the father and son grapple with a troubled past marked by loss, anger, and resentment, we witness flashbacks revealing the intense basketball training Jesus underwent under Jake and the tragic night that changed their lives forever. Parallel to the Shuttlesworth's story runs a heartfelt subplot of Dakota Barns, a woman trapped in a cycle of abuse, finding solace and aid in Jake, fostering a connection that speaks to the themes of redemption and hope.Despite the turmoil and the gravity of Jake's mission, the estranged family finds themselves wrestling with moral dilemmas and the harsh realities of their individual situations. As the deadline nears, a high-stakes basketball game between father and son becomes the crucible where futures are decided. In a world rife with corruption, temptation, and betrayal, will the bonds of family prevail?Join us on this emotional journey as we delve deep into a story of lost and regained connections, sacrifices, and the harsh truths about redemption and forgiveness in "He Got Game."