Omar-Epps Movie Reviews

I first saw Love & Basketball at the premiere of the movie with all the stars. It was a special viewing where there was almost not a dry eye at the end of the film from tears of joy. I think you cannot get a better chemistry of on screen love then Omar Epps and Sanaa Lathan. I guess the film was their destiny, because last I heard they were engaged to be married in real life. The film is simply a beautiful epic that combines a little bit of everthing from drama, comedy, action and romance. You not only care about the characters in this film, you actually see them grow up on screen.

Love & Basketball is definitely one of my all-time favorite films. It seemed so realistic as if it was a true story, and I myself being a USC graduate and former Trojan athlete from the area the film is set in can attest that the film is very realistic and true to the story being told. This film is about the true undying love of two things: the love of basketball which sees both characters in their pre-teen days on the basketball court to their days of both being professional basketball players in the hometown. It's also about the true love between a man and a woman that had to evolve and elevate just like their basketball skills had to succeed. "All is fair in love and basketball"!

The DVD version of this film is a true treasure. I love every bit of it and it gives the viewer their money's worth. The producers of this DVD out did their self with giving the view a whole complete vision of what they expressed on the screen. The two original documentaries: "The Rise Of Female Athletes" and "The Portrayal Of African-American Women By The American Media" are outstanding and really conveys the point of view the writer/director Gina Prince-Bythewood experienced herself as a basketball player. Plus, the deleted scenes and bloopers, three feature length commentaries, storyboards, and music video of Lucy Pearl's hit are a treat! One thing I truly loved as a screen writer was the whole screen play of the film on the DVD. This not only helped me understand the film more, but also helped me as a screen writer as well.

Love & Basketball is definitely a classic! I loved this film when I first saw it, and I still love it today, maybe even more because of the outstanding DVD version of it. This film makes you believe in the power of Love and Basketball!

I bought this DVD for my daughter who happens to play Division 1 college basketball. I didn't know anything about it, other than it was a love story between two basketball players. When I watched the film, I was completely blown away by it. It is one terrific, quality movie. The director outdid herself, as did the actors, with strong performances from the entire cast.

It is, as the director suggests, a love story with basketball as a backdrop. Two kids, one boy, one girl, meet when the girl, Monica, moves next door to the boy, Quincy. They are about ten years old and both play basketball with a passion. They grow up together and both play basketball in high school. In their senior year, they realize that they are in love and they give themselves to each other, heart and soul.

They are fortunate enough to be recruited to play for the same college, but the contrast between their respective reception is telling. They both do their best and are passionate about basket ball and each other. There comes a time, however, when their love is tested, and they are pulled apart by forces which they lack the maturity to understand. What follows is a test of their love and commitment.

This is a beautifully told love story. The depth of passion that the two main characters have, both for basketball and for each other, is palpable throughout the entire film. The movie is engrossing at all times and is wonderfully directed.

The DVD itself has a plethora of features, including an absorbing documentary of successful women from all walks of life who have managed to break the glass ceiling. This is certainly a DVD well worth having.

Watch this movie! if you can believe it, Sanaa Lathan learned to play basketball for this role. She kicks a--! 80's kids will appreciate the soundtrack. They have great chemistry and the story is believable--better than most hollywood films.

I first saw Love & Basketball at the premiere of the movie with all the stars. It was a special viewing where there was almost not a dry eye at the end of the film from tears of joy. I think you cannot get a better chemistry of on screen love then Omar Epps and Sanaa Lathan. I guess the film was their destiny, because last I heard they were engaged to be married in real life. The film is simply a beautiful epic that combines a little bit of everthing from drama, comedy, action and romance. You not only care about the characters in this film, you actually see them grow up on screen.

Love & Basketball is definitely one of my all-time favorite films. It seemed so realistic as if it was a true story, and I myself being a USC graduate and former Trojan athlete from the area the film is set in can attest that the film is very realistic and true to the story being told. This film is about the true undying love of two things: the love of basketball which sees both characters in their pre-teen days on the basketball court to their days of both being professional basketball players in the hometown. It's also about the true love between a man and a woman that had to evolve and elevate just like their basketball skills had to succeed. "All is fair in love and basketball"!

The DVD version of this film is a true treasure. I love every bit of it and it gives the viewer their money's worth. The producers of this DVD out did their self with giving the view a whole complete vision of what they expressed on the screen. The two original documentaries: "The Rise Of Female Athletes" and "The Portrayal Of African-American Women By The American Media" are outstanding and really conveys the point of view the writer/director Gina Prince-Bythewood experienced herself as a basketball player. Plus, the deleted scenes and bloopers, three feature length commentaries, storyboards, and music video of Lucy Pearl's hit are a treat! One thing I truly loved as a screen writer was the whole screen play of the film on the DVD. This not only helped me understand the film more, but also helped me as a screen writer as well.

Love & Basketball is definitely a classic! I loved this film when I first saw it, and I still love it today, maybe even more because of the outstanding DVD version of it. This film makes you believe in the power of Love and Basketball!

I bought this DVD for my daughter who happens to play Division 1 college basketball. I didn't know anything about it, other than it was a love story between two basketball players. When I watched the film, I was completely blown away by it. It is one terrific, quality movie. The director outdid herself, as did the actors, with strong performances from the entire cast.

It is, as the director suggests, a love story with basketball as a backdrop. Two kids, one boy, one girl, meet when the girl, Monica, moves next door to the boy, Quincy. They are about ten years old and both play basketball with a passion. They grow up together and both play basketball in high school. In their senior year, they realize that they are in love and they give themselves to each other, heart and soul.

They are fortunate enough to be recruited to play for the same college, but the contrast between their respective reception is telling. They both do their best and are passionate about basket ball and each other. There comes a time, however, when their love is tested, and they are pulled apart by forces which they lack the maturity to understand. What follows is a test of their love and commitment.

This is a beautifully told love story. The depth of passion that the two main characters have, both for basketball and for each other, is palpable throughout the entire film. The movie is engrossing at all times and is wonderfully directed.

The DVD itself has a plethora of features, including an absorbing documentary of successful women from all walks of life who have managed to break the glass ceiling. This is certainly a DVD well worth having.

Watch this movie! if you can believe it, Sanaa Lathan learned to play basketball for this role. She kicks a--! 80's kids will appreciate the soundtrack. They have great chemistry and the story is believable--better than most hollywood films.

If you look through the other 39 reviews, the majority are 5 star ratings and that's all you need to know!!

Excellent movie from start to finish. Some hard facts to swallow (steroids, back handers etc...)
But that is the reality of this movie. As a amateur football player here in Ireland,
it thought me alot about team work and especially how to play hard hitting football.
We all watch this great movie before games to pump ourselves up.
It's not just a must see, It's a must BUY!!
Has to be released on DVD soon.

"STARTING DEFENSE- PLACE AT THE TABLE"

This movie is awesome. Before every game my highschool football team watches this movie. The practice and game scenes are the best I've seen in a football movie yet. I GIVE IT 5 STARS !!!!!!!

Other reviewers have covered the accuracy of this movie better than I could so I will not attempt to comment in that respect. As a die-hard college football fan, I didn't see too many things that jumped out at me.

The movie takes us through one season of college football at a fictional school called "Eastern State University". But unlike most directional schools, this one seems to be some kinda good at football.

Mostly, the action centers around the lives of the star quarterback, a Heisman candidate, and the highly recruited true freshman tailback.

To be perfectly honest, I wasn't expecting much. ... I thought it might be something neat to watch. I was very surprised that it turned out to be good.

Here's a few thoughts:

* The movie is rated R, but it could easily have been PG or even G if not for the gratuitous use of profanity.

* I kinda wondered if this is supposed to be the University of Georgia. They finish their season with Georgia Tech and there is a banner that says "SEC" hanging in some shots. Although the banner could be there just because nobody bothered to take it down - when they show a wide shot of the stadium, it looks like South Carolina's stadium.

* The logic doesn't quite work out with what they needed to do for a bowl game. By 1993, the bowl alliance system had started and by winning their conference, they were already assured of going to an alliance bowl regardless of what happened with GT.

* There is one play where a defensive player sacks the QB to end the game. But he does so by ripping off the poor guy's helmet. Rules have changed a little in the last ten years, but I'm pretty sure that was still illegal then.

Overall, it's a good movie for a college football fan. The plot is a bit cheesy, but a college football fan can enjoy it anyway.

Omar Epps delivers an impressive performance, and the supporting cast is exemplary. There are several movies like it: a young man turns life around after confinement - but the story has enough twists and nuances to keep you interested in the plot. As I understand, it is the true story of a man who now counsels inner city troubled youth, an inspiring story at that. A good script, inspiring story, and good cast create a movie that I had never heard of but certainly enjoyed watching.

The movie is honest - at times brutal - but never tasteless. Not appropriate for young children, but should be very poignant for teenagers, especially those who feel a touch of fatalism and despair because of their environment or socioeconomic status. Aside from the excellent acting, what I liked most about the movie was the attention it drew to the weaknesses of our public defense system and the failure of our nation's drug laws, causing problems with the penal system and hence the entire system of criminal justice in America. This movie exceeded my expectations in several ways.

This movie is in one word, powerful. Omar Epps portrays a Chicago drug dealer who ends up in the infamous Cook County jail and is given a second chance by undergoing a military style Boot Camp.

There are so many lessons that can be learned by watching this film. There are so many sociological points of view with regards to the underground economy, unemployment, African-Americans and poverty, the poverty trap, and the psychological factors leading to fatalism. This movie is a must see. I would recommend this movie to not only interested viewers (who are of course objective), university students (especially, take your heads out of the books for a minute), and, of course, to professors (especially) and to all concerned parents and community members across our great nation.

Mr. Diego Rodriguez
Chicago, Il

very good movie one of the best ive seen it shows how you can change your life after getting a bad start

finally a independent black movie, that doesn't deal with drugs, and the ever plot line about ghetto life and love. this movie is easily my favorite movie and for many reasons. the main idea of the movie, is that the 3 boys, are reliving all of there high school memories right before the big wedding of taye diggs. i liked every part and i have to say that i was never borded. the movie is so realistic, and it explains teenage life to the full, with realistic problems, language & conversations, its a movie i really could relate to, and i like a lot.

I am sure that just about everyone can relate to this film in some way or another, whether it's in the memories of your childhood and teenage years spent with your best friends or in the marriage-jitters aspect as one'a you prepares to start a new life. I remember walking outta the theater after seeing this movie and having this exhilerated feeling of happiness just flowing through me. It was a feeling that stayed with me for days after that, lingering within, just refusing to leave. It was a mood of reflection. Of memories that I never want to lose hold of. Of childhood days spent with your best friends, the first day of school, making silly little bets about who will get the girl first, the overall hardships and growing pains that you go through as a teenager. I long for those bright sunny days when I had the whole world ahead of me and the awe of the gifts that life had to offer. I cherish those times so much. The cast in the movie work great together, 'specially the three men, Taye Diggs, Omar Epps, and Richard T. Jones. Their performances are charming and cheerful, full of warmth and heart, they exchange humorous dialogue and have a sincere brotherly love together that makes them so enjoyable to watch, it will put a big ol' smile on your face. This movie really does hit close to home. I really can't think of a better way to describe it, so if you still don't get what I'm saying, just see the movie and then you'll know.

This Is Old school...
This is a eflecting film. as you reembark on a journey into the past of these 3 young men, your reminded of your own childgood friends, bringing fond memories of bets "grabbing booties" and just classic fun, This film shows a positive message in the black comunity "friends 4ever" Cause thats what its all about, my advice is is if you like reminicing about back in the days this is the film for you!

finally a independent black movie, that doesn't deal with drugs, and the ever plot line about ghetto life and love. this movie is easily my favorite movie and for many reasons. the main idea of the movie, is that the 3 boys, are reliving all of there high school memories right before the big wedding of taye diggs. i liked every part and i have to say that i was never borded. the movie is so realistic, and it explains teenage life to the full, with realistic problems, language & conversations, its a movie i really could relate to, and i like a lot.

I am sure that just about everyone can relate to this film in some way or another, whether it's in the memories of your childhood and teenage years spent with your best friends or in the marriage-jitters aspect as one'a you prepares to start a new life. I remember walking outta the theater after seeing this movie and having this exhilerated feeling of happiness just flowing through me. It was a feeling that stayed with me for days after that, lingering within, just refusing to leave. It was a mood of reflection. Of memories that I never want to lose hold of. Of childhood days spent with your best friends, the first day of school, making silly little bets about who will get the girl first, the overall hardships and growing pains that you go through as a teenager. I long for those bright sunny days when I had the whole world ahead of me and the awe of the gifts that life had to offer. I cherish those times so much. The cast in the movie work great together, 'specially the three men, Taye Diggs, Omar Epps, and Richard T. Jones. Their performances are charming and cheerful, full of warmth and heart, they exchange humorous dialogue and have a sincere brotherly love together that makes them so enjoyable to watch, it will put a big ol' smile on your face. This movie really does hit close to home. I really can't think of a better way to describe it, so if you still don't get what I'm saying, just see the movie and then you'll know.

This Is Old school...
This is a eflecting film. as you reembark on a journey into the past of these 3 young men, your reminded of your own childgood friends, bringing fond memories of bets "grabbing booties" and just classic fun, This film shows a positive message in the black comunity "friends 4ever" Cause thats what its all about, my advice is is if you like reminicing about back in the days this is the film for you!

This movie came after Boyz N The Hood but before Menace II Society, so hood movies weren't real common. This movie has four friends, and how their quest for Juice, or respect, destroys all but one of the friends. Tupac Shakur furnishes a powerful performance as Bishop, the "thug" of the group. As a music fan, I didn't think Pac could act this well, but I was amazed. He really comes across as so intense. It also shows you the tough choices that kids really have in these places, like the ghettos of Harlem or Brooklyn. Plus, you don't see many NYC based "hood" films. Even if you don't really like Tupac, this is an important, eye-opening movie. It shows just where an outwards quest for respect can lead you, not just in the violence context but in all aspects of life. A must see.

This is a very good film about getting respect, albeit being the wrong way. It was about four friends whose lives are torn apart when one of them get ahold of a gun. Although I was not much of a fan of Tupac Shakur's music, I really loved him as an actor. Even though I think "Gridlock'd" was his best performance, his intensity in the role of Bishop in "Juice" was powerful. It's such a tragedy that this young talent was taken from us, but thank God we still have Pac to watch on video.

Omar Epps, aside from being nice eye candy, gives a great performance as well as Quincy, or "Q". I especially liked the fact that he was cast as a aspiring DJ. Look for En Vogue member Cindy Herron in a role as Omar's older girlfriend. A good movie to watch that teaches hard lessons about following along with a crowd. Highly recommended.

All that needs to be said- This is 2pac the "actor" at his best.

This movie came after Boyz N The Hood but before Menace II Society, so hood movies weren't real common. This movie has four friends, and how their quest for Juice, or respect, destroys all but one of the friends. Tupac Shakur furnishes a powerful performance as Bishop, the "thug" of the group. As a music fan, I didn't think Pac could act this well, but I was amazed. He really comes across as so intense. It also shows you the tough choices that kids really have in these places, like the ghettos of Harlem or Brooklyn. Plus, you don't see many NYC based "hood" films. Even if you don't really like Tupac, this is an important, eye-opening movie. It shows just where an outwards quest for respect can lead you, not just in the violence context but in all aspects of life. A must see.

This is a very good film about getting respect, albeit being the wrong way. It was about four friends whose lives are torn apart when one of them get ahold of a gun. Although I was not much of a fan of Tupac Shakur's music, I really loved him as an actor. Even though I think "Gridlock'd" was his best performance, his intensity in the role of Bishop in "Juice" was powerful. It's such a tragedy that this young talent was taken from us, but thank God we still have Pac to watch on video.

Omar Epps, aside from being nice eye candy, gives a great performance as well as Quincy, or "Q". I especially liked the fact that he was cast as a aspiring DJ. Look for En Vogue member Cindy Herron in a role as Omar's older girlfriend. A good movie to watch that teaches hard lessons about following along with a crowd. Highly recommended.

All that needs to be said- This is 2pac the "actor" at his best.

Those looking for a rousing shoot-em-up action picture will probably be disappointed by `In Too Deep.' Those looking for a more low-keyed, subdued and thoughtful study of the realities of life as an undercover cop will, however, find much in this film to admire and appreciate. Omar Epps stars as a Cincinnati-based rookie cop, Officer Jeff Cole, who goes undercover to nab a major cocaine dealer from New Jersey who calls himself `God,' (played by rapper LL Cool J) and who, Godfather-like, involves himself heavily in familial values and efforts to `help' the struggling members of his blighted neighborhood. In its exploration of its subject, the film wisely eschews the over-the-top fantasy heroics that afflict so many action films and, instead, tethers itself to the harsh, often ugly realities of the dangerous criminal world in which it is set. The movie builds much of its drama and suspense by bringing to the foreground the fascinating logistics that go into undercover police work, forcing us to witness first hand the risks, the moral compromises (to be convincing, Cole has to snort cocaine himself, for example) and the psychological ambiguities that invariably accompany the job.

Cole is a man who has been obsessed from the early days of his underprivileged, slum-ridden childhood with making a difference in a crime-infested world he knows all too well from first hand experience. This makes him a natural choice for infiltrating this underworld existence since his background has given him the understanding he needs as a point-of-entry. Thus, as he embarks on this new and dangerous career, we see the innate compassion he extends to those caught in the same environment from which he has sprung, an empathy that, in the context of his job, often leads him into a `softness' that clouds his judgment and ends up endangering his life further. In addition, as he is accepted more deeply into the inner circle of trust that God has set up around himself, Cole begins to question his own loyalties - or so, at least, the offers in charge of him begin to believe. (This, I imagine, is the undercover agent version of the Stockholm Syndrome that afflicts so many kidnap victims, often leading them to transfer their loyalties from their rescuers to their abductors).

The screenplay, though it could be sharper and more incisive at times, occasionally achieves substance in its examination of just what happens to an undercover agent's mind when he does indeed get `in too deep.' In addition, the film frequently achieves moments of genuine suspense, in truly scary scenes involving God's uncontrolled displays of manic violence and torture and in moments when Cole's entire cover seems to have been `blown.' In those moments, LL Cool J hits all the right notes in his performance but, both he and Epps, unfortunately, lack the dramatic and emotional range as actors necessary to make their quieter, more intimate moments effectively credible. In addition, the dialogue often rings untrue, especially in the conversations among the commanding officers played by Stanley Tucci and, in another weak portrayal, Pam Grier among others.

With better performances, harder-edged dialogue and slightly more energetic direction, `In Too Deep' might have been a great study of moral conflict set within the context of an exciting policier. On the other hand, the film could also have been much worse. As it is, `In Too Deep' respects the seriousness of both its subject matter and its audience and provides a number of powerful scenes - factors for which we are grateful but which also make us yearn for the high quality film that might have been.

What a 180-degree turn from his role in Deep Blue Sea!
LL showed he had much talent in acting as in Hip-Hop.
His acting here was vivid, energetic and fierce, which made "GOD" scary as hell but at the same time revealed his "family" side...Really GREAT

However, I think the film lost focus when Omar was pulled off his undercover job in the middle. And the ending is somewhat tame and tasteless

this is a really great film, the two actors Epps and Cool j where
great in this film, this is a powerfull film but i dont think its
as good as mennace to society but this is still a great film,
Epps is the only cop that will go deep enough into the case of catching the crime lord of the streets (cool J) known as god, but the only thing is has Epps gone into DEEP and will he ever get out, a must see film

Those looking for a rousing shoot-em-up action picture will probably be disappointed by `In Too Deep.' Those looking for a more low-keyed, subdued and thoughtful study of the realities of life as an undercover cop will, however, find much in this film to admire and appreciate. Omar Epps stars as a Cincinnati-based rookie cop, Officer Jeff Cole, who goes undercover to nab a major cocaine dealer from New Jersey who calls himself `God,' (played by rapper LL Cool J) and who, Godfather-like, involves himself heavily in familial values and efforts to `help' the struggling members of his blighted neighborhood. In its exploration of its subject, the film wisely eschews the over-the-top fantasy heroics that afflict so many action films and, instead, tethers itself to the harsh, often ugly realities of the dangerous criminal world in which it is set. The movie builds much of its drama and suspense by bringing to the foreground the fascinating logistics that go into undercover police work, forcing us to witness first hand the risks, the moral compromises (to be convincing, Cole has to snort cocaine himself, for example) and the psychological ambiguities that invariably accompany the job.

Cole is a man who has been obsessed from the early days of his underprivileged, slum-ridden childhood with making a difference in a crime-infested world he knows all too well from first hand experience. This makes him a natural choice for infiltrating this underworld existence since his background has given him the understanding he needs as a point-of-entry. Thus, as he embarks on this new and dangerous career, we see the innate compassion he extends to those caught in the same environment from which he has sprung, an empathy that, in the context of his job, often leads him into a `softness' that clouds his judgment and ends up endangering his life further. In addition, as he is accepted more deeply into the inner circle of trust that God has set up around himself, Cole begins to question his own loyalties - or so, at least, the offers in charge of him begin to believe. (This, I imagine, is the undercover agent version of the Stockholm Syndrome that afflicts so many kidnap victims, often leading them to transfer their loyalties from their rescuers to their abductors).

The screenplay, though it could be sharper and more incisive at times, occasionally achieves substance in its examination of just what happens to an undercover agent's mind when he does indeed get `in too deep.' In addition, the film frequently achieves moments of genuine suspense, in truly scary scenes involving God's uncontrolled displays of manic violence and torture and in moments when Cole's entire cover seems to have been `blown.' In those moments, LL Cool J hits all the right notes in his performance but, both he and Epps, unfortunately, lack the dramatic and emotional range as actors necessary to make their quieter, more intimate moments effectively credible. In addition, the dialogue often rings untrue, especially in the conversations among the commanding officers played by Stanley Tucci and, in another weak portrayal, Pam Grier among others.

With better performances, harder-edged dialogue and slightly more energetic direction, `In Too Deep' might have been a great study of moral conflict set within the context of an exciting policier. On the other hand, the film could also have been much worse. As it is, `In Too Deep' respects the seriousness of both its subject matter and its audience and provides a number of powerful scenes - factors for which we are grateful but which also make us yearn for the high quality film that might have been.

What a 180-degree turn from his role in Deep Blue Sea!
LL showed he had much talent in acting as in Hip-Hop.
His acting here was vivid, energetic and fierce, which made "GOD" scary as hell but at the same time revealed his "family" side...Really GREAT

However, I think the film lost focus when Omar was pulled off his undercover job in the middle. And the ending is somewhat tame and tasteless

this is a really great film, the two actors Epps and Cool j where
great in this film, this is a powerfull film but i dont think its
as good as mennace to society but this is still a great film,
Epps is the only cop that will go deep enough into the case of catching the crime lord of the streets (cool J) known as god, but the only thing is has Epps gone into DEEP and will he ever get out, a must see film