He Got Game (1998) on Netflix
Jake Shuttlesworth is serving time for his wife's death. Freed for a week, he must persuade his son Jesus, the nation's top high school prospect, to sign with Big State.
- Netflix3.5/5
- IMDb6.9/1055,292 votes
- Rotten Tomatoes81%
Trailer
Plot summary
Jake Shuttlesworth is in prison at Attica for the death of his wife Martha. The governor, a Big State alumnus, grants him a week of work release: persuade his son Jesus to sign with Big State and he will be freed early. Jesus, a sought-after high school prospect, lives with his sister Mary and refuses to look at his father. Recruiters offer him cash and women, and he considers entering the NBA draft. In his run-down hotel, Jake overhears the prostitute next door, Dakota Burns, being abused by her pimp Sweetness, and begins to help her.
Cast
Did you know?!Facts and trivia about He Got Game (1998)
Can contain spoilers, watch the movie first.
- Kobe Bryant was Spike Lee's original choice for the role of Jesus Shuttlesworth, but after Bryant shot several air balls that resulted in a brutal playoff loss to the Utah Jazz in the 1997 NBA Playoffs, he withdrew to begin an extensive workout plan.
- Lee approached Ray Allen during halftime of a Bucks-Knicks game and ultimately offered him the role of Jesus. Allen had never acted before, and he trained with an acting coach for eight weeks before filming.
- Lee found Tracy McGrady too reserved and was not impressed by Allen Iverson's performance, while management for Kevin Garnett and Stephon Marbury wanted a guarantee that one or the other would be offered the part. Travis Best, Walter McCarty and Rick Fox auditioned and were cast in supporting roles.
