In the summer of 1998, I was at the Sundance Directors Lab with Gina and others. I was working on my movie that never got made and she was developing Love & Basketball. All of us directors, writers, actors, crew, and advisors were housed in various condos in Park City, Utah. One of those condos happened to have a half-court hoop. It was mostly casual players but there were a few of us who could ball for real. And Gina was a serious baller. She knew from experience how to write, direct, and film hoop action. On a side note, the writer/director Edward Burns was also developing his next movie and he was a serious baller. Gina, Eddie, and I could've made a pretty good 3-on-3 squad that would've been a title contender in a hypothetical Hollywood writer/director league.
Shea, the setup of the Reggie Jordan-Michael Jordan joke was masterful.
2 things:
1. My wife loves the scene in the dance where Monica leans forward. She’s certain it’s because the only time she sits down in a chair like that is when she’s on the bench — where you naturally lean forward like that.
2. It’s the middle of the night in a residential neighborhood and they’re playing basketball. I kept waiting for someone to yell at them to go to sleep.
The line you added in the Footnotes, “Bitch, it’s because she’s at a high school dance with a guy who has a 401k” made me laugh so hard, I had to pause the video! Priceless
I remember attending the Worldfest-Houston International Film Festival 2000 and Love and Basketball was the opening night movie. Omar Epps and Sanaa Lathan were there to discuss the movie and afterwards I got to meet them. Now I am a 7 footer, who just finished playing in college and getting ready to play overseas and Omar looks up at me and says, “Damn, you’re a tall one!” Hands down one of the best moments of my life!
Elite movie! We played “I want to be your man” at our wedding because of this movie. Also, every time I get in trouble with my wife I say “double or nothing” but with a ‘?’ on the end hoping it makes her laugh and smile in hopes of squashing the fight.
Shea saying that Monica’s mom should date Quincy’s dad made me laugh so fucking hard! Love this movie!
This is one of the best basketball movies ever made.
The NBA players stripping at the all star game hypothetical made me laugh way too hard. It would’ve been more entertaining than what they put out at the last all star game.
“both people get fully naked beforehand rather than gradually doing so while making out or whatever. Is that how you’re supposed to do it? Because if so, I’ve been doing it wrong for my entire life.” Laugh out loud funny
How can you combine hilarity and sincerity so well, Shea?! Someone who knows Ms. Gina Prince-Bythewood needs to send this to her- what a compliment. Your mentioning her subtlety in having them meet again in the same spot wearing similar clothes- that was just a great notice. I think choosing this definitely elevated it for me, so I am going to watch it again! Thank you!
The University of Minnesota dance team did their Jazz routine to the Kate Bush version of This Woman's Work at nationals this year (my wife is a high school dance team coach so we treat UDA Nationals like the NBA Finals in my house). It was a fantastic needle drop in Love & Basketball, so kudos for the call out in the essay. You're the man, Shea this has been so fun so far!
In the summer of 1998, I was at the Sundance Directors Lab with Gina and others. I was working on my movie that never got made and she was developing Love & Basketball. All of us directors, writers, actors, crew, and advisors were housed in various condos in Park City, Utah. One of those condos happened to have a half-court hoop. It was mostly casual players but there were a few of us who could ball for real. And Gina was a serious baller. She knew from experience how to write, direct, and film hoop action. On a side note, the writer/director Edward Burns was also developing his next movie and he was a serious baller. Gina, Eddie, and I could've made a pretty good 3-on-3 squad that would've been a title contender in a hypothetical Hollywood writer/director league.
This makes me happy.
How do we sponsor the hypothetical Hollywood writer/director league into a real Hollywood writer/director league?
I'm 58 now. I am no longer a potential member of any championship team on any level.
Teams need coaches.
Mr. Alexie- I am a huge fan, sir! Thank you for sharing!
Thanks, Vicky.
Stunned that the Sherman Alexie is commenting. What a great addition to the essay!
Hello!
Shea, the setup of the Reggie Jordan-Michael Jordan joke was masterful.
2 things:
1. My wife loves the scene in the dance where Monica leans forward. She’s certain it’s because the only time she sits down in a chair like that is when she’s on the bench — where you naturally lean forward like that.
2. It’s the middle of the night in a residential neighborhood and they’re playing basketball. I kept waiting for someone to yell at them to go to sleep.
Also did anyone notice the white vs grey uniform combo at the beginning? Absolutely atrocious.
Does anyone else not think when Q kisses Monica he looks like he is trying to swallow her whole face? It's a lot. Cracks me up every time.
The man is passionate, lol.
Hey Shea, would you consider releasing an audio version of these narrated by you?
First time I watched I really really thought Q was going to pull up a Twinky out of his pocket and say “I’m sorry” after scoring the winning bucket.
“Quincy might be Reggie Jordan on the basketball court, but he is apparently Michael Jordan in the bedroom.” DYING
The line you added in the Footnotes, “Bitch, it’s because she’s at a high school dance with a guy who has a 401k” made me laugh so hard, I had to pause the video! Priceless
I remember attending the Worldfest-Houston International Film Festival 2000 and Love and Basketball was the opening night movie. Omar Epps and Sanaa Lathan were there to discuss the movie and afterwards I got to meet them. Now I am a 7 footer, who just finished playing in college and getting ready to play overseas and Omar looks up at me and says, “Damn, you’re a tall one!” Hands down one of the best moments of my life!
Hilarious, insightful, and touching in equal measures. The Serrano three.
:')
This isn't a good movie. It's a great movie.
Elite movie! We played “I want to be your man” at our wedding because of this movie. Also, every time I get in trouble with my wife I say “double or nothing” but with a ‘?’ on the end hoping it makes her laugh and smile in hopes of squashing the fight.
Shea saying that Monica’s mom should date Quincy’s dad made me laugh so fucking hard! Love this movie!
"Dennis Haysbert, who most will remember as Pedro Cerrano from Major League."
Shea, are you telling me you were never a '24' fan?? Put some respect on President David Palmer's name!
This is one of the best basketball movies ever made.
The NBA players stripping at the all star game hypothetical made me laugh way too hard. It would’ve been more entertaining than what they put out at the last all star game.
“both people get fully naked beforehand rather than gradually doing so while making out or whatever. Is that how you’re supposed to do it? Because if so, I’ve been doing it wrong for my entire life.” Laugh out loud funny
How can you combine hilarity and sincerity so well, Shea?! Someone who knows Ms. Gina Prince-Bythewood needs to send this to her- what a compliment. Your mentioning her subtlety in having them meet again in the same spot wearing similar clothes- that was just a great notice. I think choosing this definitely elevated it for me, so I am going to watch it again! Thank you!
The University of Minnesota dance team did their Jazz routine to the Kate Bush version of This Woman's Work at nationals this year (my wife is a high school dance team coach so we treat UDA Nationals like the NBA Finals in my house). It was a fantastic needle drop in Love & Basketball, so kudos for the call out in the essay. You're the man, Shea this has been so fun so far!