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Storyline
Film adaptation of street tough Jim Carroll's epistle about his kaleidoscopic free fall into the harrowing world of drug addiction. As a member of a seemingly unbeatable high school basketball squad, Jim's life centers around the basketball court and the court becomes a metaphor for the world in his mind. A best friend who is dying of leukemia, a coach ("Swifty") who takes unacceptable liberties with the boys on his team, teenage sexual angst, and an unhealthy appetite for heroin -- all of these begin to encroach on young Jim's dream of becoming a basketball star. Soon, the dark streets of New York become a refuge from his mother's mounting concern for her son. He can't go home and his only escape from the reality of the streets is heroin for which he steals, robs and prostitutes himself. Only with the help of Reggie, an older neighborhood friend with whom Jim "picked up a game" now and then, is he able to begin the long journey back to sanity. Written by
Mark Fleetwood <mfleetwo@mail.coin.missouri.edu>
Plot Summary
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Taglines:
Every punk on the block says it's not going to happen to them... but it does.
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Motion Picture Rating
(MPAA)
Rated R for graphic depiction of drug addiction with related strong violence,sexuality and language
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Did You Know?
Goofs
The blood on the shirt of the kid shot in the classroom disappears between shots.
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Quotes
Mickey:
Shit happens alright? Shit fucking happens... christ!
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Connections
Referenced in
The Butterfly Effect (2004)
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Soundtracks
Watusi Latin Boogaloo
Written by
Joseph L. Altruda (as Joe Altruda)
Performed by The Joey Altruda Latin Explosion
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This movie was Leonardo's first leading role, and he does great work as Jim Carroll. The movie cheats him from time to time, but he gives a consistent and believable performance. He is helped by an excellent supporting cast, especially Mark Wahlberg and Lorraine Bracco. Kids who think drugs are fun and games should see this movie, which gets extra credit for not glamorizing drugs.