He Got Game (1998)

"He Got Game" (1998) is a sports drama written and directed by Spike Lee and stars Denzel Washington and NBA champion Ray Allen. This movie marks the third time Lee and Washington linked up, and this was Allen's acting debut. Additional cast members include Rosario Dawson, Hill Harper, Bill Nunn, Lonette McKee, Jim Brown, and Ned Beatty. Public Enemy performed the soundtrack, which Def Jam Recording released. The album features the hit single, 'He Got Game,' but the overall album did not sell well. The movie is an underrated Lee classic that only gets discussed a little. It has a good story and many nostalgic moments seeing former college coaches and NBA players. 

Director: Spike Lee

Writer: Spike Lee

Starring Denzel Washington, Ray Allen, Rosario Dawson, Hill Harper, Bill Nunn, Lonette McKee, Jim Brown, Ned Beatty, Zelda Harris, Joseph Lyle Taylor, Michele Shay, Thomas Jefferson Byrd, Roger Guenveur Smith, John Turturro, Arthur J. Nascarella, Travis Best, Walter McCarty, John Wallace, Rick Fox, Al Palagonia, Leonard Roberts

Storyline

Jake Shuttleworth (Denzel Washington) has spent the last six years in prison after accidentally killing his wife during a violent domestic dispute, leaving his son, star basketball prospect Jesus Shuttleworth (Ray Allen), to fend for himself. One day, the prison warden (Ned Beatty) approaches Jake with an unusual offer: The governor will give Jake a week of parole to convince Jesus to attend the governor's alma mater, promising a shortened sentence if he succeeds.