ABOVE THE RIM- * * 1/2 - Duane Martin, Leon, Tupac Shakur, Marlon Wayans; rated R (violence, profanity, vulgarity, drugs); Cineplex Odeon Crossroads Plaza, Midvalley and South Towne Center Cinemas, the Gateway Theaters, Valley Vu (with "8 Seconds").
Sort of a combination of "Boyz N the Hood" and "Hoosiers," "Above the Rim" is the predictable story of a young inner-city basketball player who is tempted by street evils before deciding to win the big game for friends and family. Despite obvious weaknesses, however, the film gets a huge boost from several excellent performances.Duane Martin is appealing in the lead as a young high school basketball star who grandstands at his team's expense, showing off for a Georgetown University scout. His coach (David Bailey) is frustrated, his mother (Tonya Pinkins) is beginning to worry and the new school security guard (Leon) sees a lot of himself in the lad.
Soon, a smooth-talking drug dealer (Tupac Shakur) is promising Martin money, cars and women if he'll leave the high school team and play for his team in a neighborhood basketball shootout, on which he plans to bet a lot of money.
Recognizing that the chip on his shoulder is hindering his Georgetown chances and attracted by the lure of wealth, power and local fame, Martin goes over to Shakur's camp - urged on by an ex-con friend (Marlon Wayans, providing comic relief). But it isn't long before he realizes he's made a deal with the devil.
Meanwhile, the coach, his mother and Leon all attempt to reach out to him, but Martin will have none of it. By the time we get to the shootout, however, it's apparent that Martin will change camps and help his coach's team defeat the evil Shakur.
The soap opera machinations are by-the-numbers stuff, with an odd undercurrent involving Leon's character. He broods because his best friend died by jumping up at a basketball backboard and falling over the ledge of a tall building. Since when are basketball hoops on building ledges?
The film is shaken up a bit by edgy footage during the final basketball game and a violent climactic twist. In fact, there are a couple of violent climaxes - which prove to be two too many.
But the real saving grace here is several performances that are hard to shake, from the brooding Leon, who develops a stoic presence that helps us feel his character's pain, to the strict but helpless Pinkins, who is forced to work long hours and can't spend the time necessary to watch over her son. And Martin shows a solid range of emotion in the lead role. But the scene-stealer is Shakur, who has a genuine screen presence. His off-screen problems (allegations of rape and gunplay) are well-documented, but judging by his performances here and in "Juice" and "Poetic Justice," he has a solid career ahead - if he doesn't blow it.
"Above the Rim" is rated R for violence, profanity, vulgarity and drug abuse.