UNCLE DREW (PG-13)
Released by Summit/Lionsgate
Review by Adam Mast
UNCLE DREW is a dopey but lovable comedy that fuses the ball playing spirit of HE GOT GAME with the zany “We’re putting the band back together!” vibe of THE BLUES BROTHERS. It isn’t a groundbreaking comical masterwork by any means but chances are, if you’re a fan of the NBA, you’ll probably enjoy it as much as I did.
UNCLE DREW is based on a series of amusing t.v. spots that featured NBA superstar Kyrie Irving as the title character, an elderly ex-pro basketball player who’s balling skills are just as sharp in his golden years as they were in his youth. The loosey-goosey plot here centers around Dax (Lil Rel Howery of 2017’s GET OUT fame), an eager Footlocker employee who moonlights as a basketball coach. Dax’s dream; To get his team into the finals of the Ruckers Classic streetball tournament in Harlem. Problem is a rival from Dax’s past swoops in and snatches his dream team away from him. Thankfully, a chance encounter with Uncle Drew revitalizes Dax’s vision.
Ultimately, Uncle Drew agrees to aid in helping Dax realize his dream but only if the shoe salesman will agree to allow him to assemble a team comprised of his ex-teammates. Reluctantly, Dax agrees and what follows is a goofy road trip movie that finds Uncle Drew getting the old team back together. And it won’t be easy because all of these men now lead entirely new lives.
Again, UNCLE DREW is essentially a road trip comedy but it’s encased in your quintessential sports underdog movie framework. As directed by Charles Stone III (DRUMLINE), this film doesn’t take itself seriously and that, coupled with the pure joy exuded by a mostly NBA and WNBA-headlined cast make the proceedings infectiously likable.
Irving and Howery are a lot of fun here as is a high energy (and bitchy) Tiffany Haddish as Dax’s self serving girlfriend, but it’s the plethora of pro ball playing supporting players who steal the show. Towering Shaquille O’Neal is a riot as a youth karate instructor who harbors resentment towards Drew. A low key Nate Robinson makes a wonderful impression as a sad, wheelchair-bound old timer who just needs a spark to bring him out of his funk. Reggie Miller is a silly delight as a one time prolific pure shooter whose blindness now prohibits him from being who he once was. Nick Kroll is also hilarious as an obnoxious rival from Dax’s youth. His insults and smarmy attitude bring to mind Christopher McDonald‘s wonderful work as Shooter McGavin in HAPPY GILMORE.
While all the supporting players bring something amusing to the table, it’s Chris Webber who walks away with the movie as the scene stealing Preacher Man. His introduction alone is certainly an UNCLE DREW highlight! In fact, his memorable intro might be the most straight up hilarious scene of its kind since James Brown‘s Reverend Cleophus James made Dan Aykroyd‘s Elwood “see the light!” Yes, Webber takes us to church in a big way and furthermore, the man can sing! It should also be noted that his scenes with WNBA star Lisa Leslie are surprisingly sweet.
True, it would have been fun to see guys like Michael, Kobe, and LeBron make an appearance in UNCLE DREW, but their absence doesn’t take away from the overall spirit of this simple-minded, lightweight comedy. Finally, it should be noted that amidst all the comical antics, a charming romance between Dax and the new twinkle in his eye (a charming Erica Ash), and a climactic ROCKY-style showdown, UNCLE DREW does offer up an inspiring message about the importance of basketball and how it essentially saved the lives of these wonderfully colorful characters and the superstars who portray them.
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