Review of ‘Shooting Stars’: Basketball and Brotherhood

While LeBron James has been the focus of media coverage for years, the movie ‘Shooting Stars’ tells the story of his high school basketball team instead of his individual rise to fame. The film is an adaptation of James’ memoir and the 2009 documentary ‘More Than a Game.’

The heart of the film is the relationship between the young boys, also known as the Fab Five. Directed by Chris Robinson, the film follows James and his friends over four years as they navigate the world of high school basketball and learn how to deal with the increasing attention they receive.

The movie is brought to life by the young actors, who exude an infectious chemistry and display their basketball abilities. Marquis Cook, who plays Mookie, is particularly impressive in his portrayal of a young LeBron. Cook’s performance captures the boyish shyness that is juxtaposed with an immense potential of the basketball phenomenon.

The drama is absorbing, not just because of the eventual path of LeBron, but because of the way it portrays the deep bonds between the young basketball players in surreal conditions. The film is rated PG-13 for strong language, teen drinking, and some suggestive references and has a running time of 1 hour and 55 minutes. It is available to watch on Peacock.