More than a Game

Synopsis

More than a Game is a documentary that focuses in on five young basketball players—LeBron James, Dru Joyce III, Romeo Travis, Sian Cotton, Willie McGee—and their coach, Dru Joyce II, performing on an AAU team with the growing stardom of the future NBA superstar, LeBron James. Taking them through their pre-teens to high school, this film follows their incredible journey as the unknown Ohio team rises to the top of youth athletics.

Cast

• LeBron James as himself
• Dru Joyce III as himself
• Romeo Travis as himself
• Sian Cotton as himself
• Willie McGee as himself
• (Coach) Dru Joyce II as himself

Soundtrack

Main article: More than a Game (soundtrack)

The soundtrack features songs from Ester Dean, Drake, T.I., Mary J. Blige, Jay-Z, and Soulja Boy, amongst others. The album also features additional vocals or raps from Chris Brown, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Eminem, Toni Braxton, JoJo, Jordin Sparks, Ya Boy, Omarion, and Faith Evans plus others. A number of songs were released as singles. First, "Stronger" by Mary J Blige is the soundtrack's lead single and was released on August 4, 2009, to support the film and later on August 21, 2009, as the second single from Blige's ninth studio album also titled Stronger with Each Tear. "Drop It Low" by Ester Dean (with Chris Brown) was released as a single on August 9, 2009, while "Forever" by Drake (featuring Kanye West, Lil Wayne, & Eminem) was released as a single on September 15, 2009.

Reception

Box office

More than a Game opened with $182,943 in its first weekend and grossed a total of $960,387, $950,675 in the United States and Canada, and $9,712 worldwide.

Critical response

On the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the film has an approval rating of 71%, based on 52 reviews, with an average rating of 6.4/10. The site's critical consensus reads, "Though the film may not delve as deep as some would prefer, More than a Game is an inspiring documentary featuring likable youngsters, a positive message, and some exciting in-game footage." On Metacritic, the film has a score of 59 out of 100, based on 18 reviews, indicating "mixed or average reviews".

References

References

1. "More Than a Game (2009)". [[Amazon.com]].
2. "More Than A Game: Original Soundtrack: Amazon.co.uk: Music".
3. (2009-08-03). "Mason's Talents Not Limited to basketball - ARIZONA OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE".
4. "Music Inspired By The Film More Than A Game: Original Soundtrack:a Music".
5. ""More Than A Game Soundtrack" to feature Eminem, T.I., Tyrese and more...".
6. (2009-08-21). "Video: Mary J. Blige – 'Stronger'".
7. "More Than a Game (2009)". [[Amazon.com]].
8. "More Than a Game (2009)". [[Fandango Media]].
9. "More Than a Game". [[CBS Interactive]].