He Got Game

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He Got Game

R

1998

2h 14m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

82%

Tomatometer

65 Reviews

83%

Popcornmeter

25,000+ Ratings

Jake Shuttlesworth (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 Shuttlesworth (Ray Allen), to fend for himself. One day, the prison warden (Ned Beatty) approaches Jake with an unusual offer: He'll be given a week of parole to convince Jesus to attend the governor's alma mater, with the promise of a shortened sentence if he succeeds.

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Critics Consensus

Though not without its flaws, He Got Game finds Spike Lee near the top of his game, combining trenchant commentary with his signature visuals and a strong performance from Denzel Washington.

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Michael Rechtshaffen

The Hollywood Reporter

May 3, 2019

As a director, Lee continues to hone his considerable craft and is unafraid to take creative risks along the way.

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Emanuel Levy

Variety

Mar 25, 2008

B

Lacking the moral indignation and militant politics of Lee's former work, this vibrantly colorful father-son melodrama is soft at the center, but it's one of the most accessible films Lee has made and Denzel Washington is terrific.

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Andrew Sarris

Observer

Apr 27, 2007

At the end of Mr. Lee's movie, all you feel is the distraction of Mr. Lee's stylistic exhibitionism, without which, I concede, he might not be regarded as a genius in some quarters.

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Lawrence Ware

The Root

Oct 13, 2023

A

“He Got Game” shows that being young, gifted and Black in America is not easy. In fact, if you’re not careful, it can destroy you.

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Farah Cheded

A Good Movie To Watch

Sep 23, 2023

Transcends the usual limits of the sports drama to become an operatic tale of temptation and forgiveness.

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Barbara Shulgasser

Common Sense Media

May 15, 2020

3/5

Spike Lee sports drama has strong language, violence, sex.

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Fro T

@frothizzlereviews 3 days ago

A gritty sports flick that Denzel knocks out of the park. Ray Allen might not be the best actor, but I found him to be tolerable. Milla Jovovich also has a nice performance here as the prostitute next door. The camerawork is a bit wonky, but the soundtrack is banging! 8/10

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Shawn E

@Bahllusyourmouthous Sep 11, 2026

Typical spike Lee "cigarette butt" the part where everyone says he has game" is so fake and obnoxious wow spike, Michael Jordan deserves an Oscar for appear. Stupid takes you out of the movie so badly done like a fake documentary. Big name dropper and professional Knicks nut Licker

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Antony B

@RT29664284 Aug 23, 2026

He Got Game is Spike Lee at his most passionate. A bruising, soulful story about basketball, family, ambition, and the impossible weight of expectations. Denzel Washington brings real emotional gravity to the role, while Ray Allen is remarkably natural at the center of the storm. The basketball scenes have electricity, but it’s the father-son relationship that gives the film its heart. Smart, intense, and deeply human. A sports movie with a lot more on its mind than the final score.

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Stephen C

@bob25009 Aug 13, 2025

Success in 2 hours and 14 minutes. Ages 17 and older.

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thiago s

@Thiagostone Jun 28, 2025

Filme fraco, o roteiro é fraco, as cenas são fracas, a história é fraca, o elenco é fraco, e ninguém ajuda a melhorar o filme, os personagens são fracos, e o filme deveria ter cenas bem melhores e relevantes, para fazer o filme ser bom

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John C

@JohnCoch Jun 21, 2025

“He Got Game” shows that being young, gifted and Black in America is not easy. In fact, if you’re not careful, it can destroy you.

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Spike Lee

Director

Denzel Washington

Jake Shuttlesworth

Ray Allen

Jesus Shuttlesworth

Milla Jovovich

Dakota Burns

Rosario Dawson

Lala Bonilla

Hill Harper

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Synopsis

Jake Shuttlesworth (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 Shuttlesworth (Ray Allen), to fend for himself. One day, the prison warden (Ned Beatty) approaches Jake with an unusual offer: He'll be given a week of parole to convince Jesus to attend the governor's alma mater, with the promise of a shortened sentence if he succeeds.

Director: Spike Lee
Producer: Jon Kilik, Spike Lee
Screenwriter: Spike Lee
Production Co: Touchstone Pictures, 40 Acres & A Mule Filmworks
Rating: R
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Apr 25, 1998, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 4, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $21.6M
Runtime: 2h 14m
Sound Mix: Surround

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