Story of a promising high school basketball star and his relationships with two brothers, one a drug dealer and the other a former basketball star fallen on hard times and now employed as a security guard.
The movie lives easily on the streets where it is shot, and the performances -- especially by Martin, Shakur and Pinkins -- are convincing.
– Roger Ebert,
Chicago Sun-Times,
1 Jan 2000
rotten:
A stultifying cliche of a movie -- even by sports-flick standards -- this basketball allegory doesn't get anywhere near the rim.
– Desson Thomson,
Washington Post,
1 Jan 2000
fresh:
It's Shakur who steals the show. The rapper's offscreen legal problems are well known, but there's no denying his power as an actor.
– Peter Travers,
Rolling Stone,
12 May 2001
fresh:
Above the Rim has its formulaic elements, but it has been vigorously directed by Jeff Pollack, who appreciates the lively and unpretentious aspects of the story.
– Janet Maslin,
New York Times,
20 May 2003
rotten:
A fine cast and the movie's general energy can't overcome that mix of cliches and technical flaws.