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Uncle Drew (2018) - Review

  • Writer: Mav
    Mav
  • Jul 3, 2018
  • 2 min read

Lace up those classic Chuck's and pump up the old school boombox, Uncle Drew and his team of senior citizens storm off the court and into theaters with this surprisingly terrific comedy.


In Uncle Drew, street ball entrepreneur Dax (Lil Rel Howery) is forced to find a new team to enter the Rucker Park Tournament with after his arch nemesis Mookie Bass (Nick Kroll) steals his current squad. After seeking out the legendary, yet elderly Uncle Drew, Dax and Drew (Kyrie Irving) go on a cross-country road trip to put the old crew back together and get buckets.


Based on Pepsi commercials starring Irving as the eponymous baller, the feature-length version has an NBA all-star cast who bring their comedic A-game to the big screen. The entire old man team is simultaneously ridiculous and heartfelt. One of the best scenes in the film sees Drew re-connect with his old friends Boots (Nate Robinson), Lights (Reggie Miller), Preacher (Chris Webber) and Big Fella (Shaquille O'Neal) by giving them items from their past. One of the few scenes in the film not played for laughs, it was during this touching moment where I realized that for all of the jokes, Uncle Drew touches on much bigger themes than that. Growing old and growing up, while maintaining that sense of youthful wonder is a key thread in the film, and one that I thought lifted the movie beyond typical low-brow comedic fare.


Nearly all the jokes land, particularly those from Dax. I would keep my eyes on Lil Rel, who following his debut in last year's Get Out, could really break out after his turn here as the main character. Sharing great chemistry with the entire squad, particularly with Uncle Drew, Dax is our likeable loser. While his journey felt a little shallow by the time the film concluded, the jokes are fast and furious enough that it is hard to get hung up on any plot snags.


The villains are the weakest link here. Nick Kroll playing a smarmy, cocky jerk seems forced, and while he is dislikable enough, he isn't as memorable nor as funny as many of the great sports comedy villains of the past. Tiffany Hadish, Dax's girlfriend turned ex who sides with Kroll's character, is hardly a factor and does not contribute any great laugh lines until the blooper reel during the end credits. Thankfully, their screen time is limited, with the majority of the film centered on the team coming together.


The costume and production design deserves a mention. Utilizing the overt product placement in intelligent ways, the vibrant colours throughout the costumes and backgrounds make the visuals pop. As well, the terrific original soundtrack breathes life into the basketball scenes. The hip hop tracks set the atmosphere and the mood, defining the film in one word: Fun.


While formulaic, Uncle Drew is an undeniably fun sports comedy with a unique premise and strong performances from unlikely performers. The main cast feels like old friends, with the pro ball players showcasing superb comedic timing for their lack of experience. The fun the cast had making this film translates on screen, and it's hard not to smile along with them. Uncle Drew is worth FULL PRICE!



 
 
 

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