Extremely predictable movie on many occasions, but still enjoyable to watch. The pacing and momentum do a good job of holding focus along with some visually exciting shots of the basketball games. The story arc was a bit unexpected and unconventional at times, and in a enjoyable way. It is by no means a perfect movie, but I liked it none the less and recommend giving it a watch.

Interesting film that hits on ways young basketball players are exploited from a young age. Excellent job by leading actor.

Strengths: A good sports drama will always get me and this was no different. What helps this stand out is how it dives into the world of the awful NCAA. Josh Charles (Coach Gaines) has a great scene where he partially calls out the NCAA in front of Nia (Sharon Leal). Speaking of Charles, he's very good as the coach in this. The character is a good guy, but one who has succumbed to the shady tactics you almost must do in this world. Michael Rainey Jr. (Terron) is a good choice for the lead. Though he's young, he brings a vulnerability to a character that is otherwise perceived as confident. Brian J. White (Vince) was also very good as Terron's father, struggling with the effects that a football career had on his brain. It's heartbreaking to watch him go through basic tasks, but you also feel torn when he gets into the pivotal argument with Coach Gaines. The film wraps up quite nicely and does a good job of showing the effects that social media can have on a player. It's also great to see how Terron handles his learning disability on and off the course.Weaknesses: While I love a good sports drama, they do often follow a familiar narrative. You know there will be an underdog, some challenges on and off the court, and a goal on the court. What this film was missing was that "all is lost" moment for the hero. Sure, he has the moment where he loses his eligibility, but that was kind of out of his hands. So, when he triumphs, it doesn't feel like it means as much. We needed that moment that makes us leap up and cheer. Also, though he got a bit of haze from his older teammates, I thought more could've been done with that. There also could've been more basketball scenes.Overall: There's heart to this movie and some very good performances. You root for the characters you're supposed to and are mostly intrigued by the others. It just needed a few more obstacles for the lead to truly make this click and be a potential classic. It's certainly worth checking out.

AMATEUR NE RÉINVENTE PAS LE DRAME SPORTIF MAIS RESTE TOUT DE MÊME ASSEZ INTÉRESSANT GRÂCE EN PARTICULIER À SON ACTEUR PRINCIPAL. UN BON PREMIER EFFORT DE LA PART DU RÉALISATEUR/SCÉNARISTE RYAN KOO

A solid sports movie that offers insight on the topic of pay to play for amateur sports. There was quality character development and decent acting. The plot wasn't perfect as there were some points that were a stretch. The movie ended pretty quickly after the climax, leaving some holes, but overall a stronger addition to Netflix original films.

Definite must-see material. Great characters, clever story, intelligent humor, and kudos to Netflix for backing a new filmmaker with a very bright future.

An engaging tale from the corrupt underbelly of Big Time Hoops at the high school level, one that loses its cynical edge and goes all squishy in the third act

Provocative sports movie on amateur athletics; cursing.