Watch American Streetballers

American Streetballers is a movie that captures the spirit, talent, and culture of street basketball played in the United States, particularly in St. Louis, Missouri. The movie follows the journey of four friends who are passionate about streetball and want to make it big in the sport. The movie stars Jimmy McKinney as Jamal, Matt Krentz as Boogie, Adrieanne Perez as Becky, and Lorenzo Williams as EJ.

The plot of the movie revolves around Jamal, who is the captain of the team and an exceptional basketball player. His dream is to get out of the rough streets of St. Louis and make it big in the NBA. However, he faces an obstacle in the form of a knee injury that puts his basketball career on hold. It is during this time that he reconnects with his childhood friends Boogie, Becky, and EJ. They all share a love for the game and decide to form a streetball team to participate in a local tournament that could lead to national exposure.

As the team practices and prepares for the tournament, they face various challenges. They come up against teams that are more experienced, more skilled, and better funded. The team members also struggle with personal issues, such as family problems, financial difficulties, and relationship troubles. However, despite the odds stacked against them, they persist in their quest to win.

The movie is not just about streetball but also about the characters and their relationships with each other. Jamal and Boogie are childhood friends who have fallen out of touch due to different paths in life they followed. Becky is Jamal's love interest, who is supportive of his dreams but also wants him to be realistic. EJ is the funny guy of the group who provides comic relief but also has a tragic backstory that he keeps hidden.

One of the highlights of the movie is the basketball games themselves. The movie captures the essence of streetball, where players emphasize showmanship and style as much as skill and strategy. The filmmakers use real-life streetball players and local ballers from St. Louis to create a sense of authenticity. The basketball scenes are shot in a flashy, kinetic, and dynamic style that makes them exciting to watch.

Another strong aspect of the movie is the depiction of the African American community in St. Louis. The movie shows the poverty, crime, and violence that the characters face daily. It also highlights the role of basketball as a way out of that environment, as many successful NBA players come from similar neighborhoods. The movie contrasts the gritty realities of inner-city life with the beauty and artistry of streetball.

The movie also tackles some themes and issues that are relevant today, such as race, class, and identity. The characters struggle with their sense of self-worth as they navigate a world that often judges them based on their skin color or economic status. The movie also explores the role of sports in creating a sense of pride and unity within a community.

In terms of the performances, the actors all do a solid job in their roles. Jimmy McKinney delivers a compelling performance as Jamal, capturing both his vulnerability and his determination. Matt Krentz is convincing as Boogie, portraying a character who is both loyal to his friend and struggling with his own demons. Adrieanne Perez adds depth to her character as Becky, a woman who is both supportive and critical of Jamal's dreams. Lorenzo Williams brings levity to the movie as EJ, providing humor and heart.

Overall, American Streetballers is a movie that will appeal to basketball fans, especially those who enjoy streetball. It's a movie that celebrates the culture and the people of St. Louis, while also telling a story about friendship, perseverance, and the power of basketball to bring people together.

American Streetballers is a 2010 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 58 minutes.