Exclusive: NBA Hall of Famer Chris Webber’s memoir By God’s Grace is being developed into a TV series by Picturestart ahead of the book’s release November 15. The project is currently being shopped to networks and streamers.
The adaptation focuses on Webber’s youth and journey as part of the University of Michigan’s famed “Fab Five.” From amateur athletics to national championships, the series will tackle the triumphs and hardships of a life and career spent chasing basketball greatness while examining many of the most topical issues of equity between schools and players.
“I’ve been waiting over 25 years to tell my story and I’m honored to partner with Erik Feig and Picturestart,” Webber said in a statement to Deadline. “This series offers a unique opportunity to provide perspective on my upbringing, to explore the nuances of high school sports, and share details from my career...
The adaptation focuses on Webber’s youth and journey as part of the University of Michigan’s famed “Fab Five.” From amateur athletics to national championships, the series will tackle the triumphs and hardships of a life and career spent chasing basketball greatness while examining many of the most topical issues of equity between schools and players.
“I’ve been waiting over 25 years to tell my story and I’m honored to partner with Erik Feig and Picturestart,” Webber said in a statement to Deadline. “This series offers a unique opportunity to provide perspective on my upbringing, to explore the nuances of high school sports, and share details from my career...
- 4/4/2022
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
Marv Albert, the man who made “Yes!” the catch-phrase of millions of basketball players who just hit a shot, will reportedly retire at the conclusion of the National Basketball Assn. playoffs.
The nearly 80-year-old Albert has been the voice of 60 years of basketball broadcasts. The New York Post’s Andrew Marchand broke the story.
Albert, who will turn 80 next month, is a Basketball Hall of Famer broadcaster best-known for his signature “Yes!” call.
He was the voice of the New York Knicks starting as a 21-year-old in 1963, filling in for another New York sportscasting giant, Marty Glickman, on Wcbs Radio. He became the permanent play-by-play man in 1967, and stayed with the Knicks through their championship glory years of 1969 and 1973.
Albert later became a national voice, working as the lead broadcaster for TNT for more than two decades.
TNT and Albert are expected to formally announce his retirement plans soon. Meanwhile,...
The nearly 80-year-old Albert has been the voice of 60 years of basketball broadcasts. The New York Post’s Andrew Marchand broke the story.
Albert, who will turn 80 next month, is a Basketball Hall of Famer broadcaster best-known for his signature “Yes!” call.
He was the voice of the New York Knicks starting as a 21-year-old in 1963, filling in for another New York sportscasting giant, Marty Glickman, on Wcbs Radio. He became the permanent play-by-play man in 1967, and stayed with the Knicks through their championship glory years of 1969 and 1973.
Albert later became a national voice, working as the lead broadcaster for TNT for more than two decades.
TNT and Albert are expected to formally announce his retirement plans soon. Meanwhile,...
- 5/15/2021
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Chris Webber has exited his longtime post at TNT ahead of next week’s NBA playoffs, an individual with knowledge of the situation told TheWrap.
The former NBA All-Star has been an analyst with the cable network since 2008, joining the Turner Sports team shortly after the conclusion of his professional basketball career.
According to the The New York Post, which was first to report Webber’s exit from TNT on Thursday, there were no contract negotiations between the in-game analyst and the cable network ahead of his exit. Per the Post’s source, it is believed TNT did not want Webber to return and neither did he.
Webber was not partnered with fellow TNT analyst Marv Albert for Thursday’s Philadelphia 76ers-Miami Heat game, which marked the last regular season broadcast of the season ahead of the playoffs on May 22. Instead, Reggie Miller took his place calling the game with Albert.
The former NBA All-Star has been an analyst with the cable network since 2008, joining the Turner Sports team shortly after the conclusion of his professional basketball career.
According to the The New York Post, which was first to report Webber’s exit from TNT on Thursday, there were no contract negotiations between the in-game analyst and the cable network ahead of his exit. Per the Post’s source, it is believed TNT did not want Webber to return and neither did he.
Webber was not partnered with fellow TNT analyst Marv Albert for Thursday’s Philadelphia 76ers-Miami Heat game, which marked the last regular season broadcast of the season ahead of the playoffs on May 22. Instead, Reggie Miller took his place calling the game with Albert.
- 5/14/2021
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
Shawn Bradley, the former NBA player who appeared in the original “Space Jam” movie, has been left paralyzed after a January bicycle accident that occurred just one block from his Utah home.
Bradley, who is 7-foot-6, was hit by a car while riding his bike. The accident caused “a traumatic spinal cord injury.” After undergoing neck fusion surgery, Bradley has spent the past eight weeks in a hospital.
In a joint statement from Bradley and his former (main) NBA team, the Dallas Mavericks, the Byu alum was said to be “in good spirits.” The statement continued: “He plans to use his accident as a platform to bring greater public awareness to the importance of bicycle safety.”
Below is the full statement.
Shawn Bradley released the first public details today of the accident that he suffered on January 20, 2021. Bradley, the 7’6” former NBA player with the Dallas Mavericks, was struck from behind...
Bradley, who is 7-foot-6, was hit by a car while riding his bike. The accident caused “a traumatic spinal cord injury.” After undergoing neck fusion surgery, Bradley has spent the past eight weeks in a hospital.
In a joint statement from Bradley and his former (main) NBA team, the Dallas Mavericks, the Byu alum was said to be “in good spirits.” The statement continued: “He plans to use his accident as a platform to bring greater public awareness to the importance of bicycle safety.”
Below is the full statement.
Shawn Bradley released the first public details today of the accident that he suffered on January 20, 2021. Bradley, the 7’6” former NBA player with the Dallas Mavericks, was struck from behind...
- 3/17/2021
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
The story of Chris Webber and his “Fab Five” teammates at the University of Michigan has been told a number of times, including in a well-reviewed ESPN documentary from 2011. It hasn’t, however, been told from Webber’s perspective.
The former NBA All-Star is developing a limited scripted series, called Fab Five, that will tell the story of the group — Webber, Juwan Howard, Ray Jackson, Jimmy King and Jalen Rose — who constituted the greatest recruiting class in college basketball history when they enrolled at Michigan in the early 1990s and went to two NCAA championship games.
It’s based ...
The former NBA All-Star is developing a limited scripted series, called Fab Five, that will tell the story of the group — Webber, Juwan Howard, Ray Jackson, Jimmy King and Jalen Rose — who constituted the greatest recruiting class in college basketball history when they enrolled at Michigan in the early 1990s and went to two NCAA championship games.
It’s based ...
The story of Chris Webber and his “Fab Five” teammates at the University of Michigan has been told a number of times, including in a well-reviewed ESPN documentary from 2011. It hasn’t, however, been told from Webber’s perspective.
The former NBA All-Star is developing a limited scripted series, called Fab Five, that will tell the story of the group — Webber, Juwan Howard, Ray Jackson, Jimmy King and Jalen Rose — who constituted the greatest recruiting class in college basketball history when they enrolled at Michigan in the early 1990s and went to two NCAA championship games.
It’s based ...
The former NBA All-Star is developing a limited scripted series, called Fab Five, that will tell the story of the group — Webber, Juwan Howard, Ray Jackson, Jimmy King and Jalen Rose — who constituted the greatest recruiting class in college basketball history when they enrolled at Michigan in the early 1990s and went to two NCAA championship games.
It’s based ...
Coming off the back of another year of historic wide receiver play, New Orleans Saints star Michael Thomas has signed with UTA for off-the-field representation.
The talent agency will work with Thomas to pursue opportunities across film, TV, licensing and endorsements, as well as speaking, digital media and publishing, among other areas. Thomas joins UTA’s growing roster of athletic talent which also includes fellow NFL greats Von Miller, Rob Gronkowski and Charles Woodson.
The 26-year-old receiver, who hails from Los Angeles, holds the NFL record for the most receptions by a player in their first four seasons, as well as the record for most receptions by a player in a single season in NFL History. While this season ended in more disappointment for the New Orleans Saints after a Wild Card home playoff defeat to the Minnesota Vikings, Thomas still led the league by some distance in terms of receiving yards and total receptions.
The talent agency will work with Thomas to pursue opportunities across film, TV, licensing and endorsements, as well as speaking, digital media and publishing, among other areas. Thomas joins UTA’s growing roster of athletic talent which also includes fellow NFL greats Von Miller, Rob Gronkowski and Charles Woodson.
The 26-year-old receiver, who hails from Los Angeles, holds the NFL record for the most receptions by a player in their first four seasons, as well as the record for most receptions by a player in a single season in NFL History. While this season ended in more disappointment for the New Orleans Saints after a Wild Card home playoff defeat to the Minnesota Vikings, Thomas still led the league by some distance in terms of receiving yards and total receptions.
- 1/10/2020
- by Will Thorne
- Variety Film + TV
1966: Days of our Lives' Tony prepared to leave town.
1985: General Hospital's Josh Clayton was killed.
1994: One Life to Live's paralyzed Luna took her first steps.
1994: All My Children's Hayley and Alec plotted revenge."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1966: On Days of our Lives, Tony Merritt (Richard Colla) told Marie Horton (Maree Cheatham) he was leaving Salem.
1966: On Dark Shadows, news of Bill Malloy's death spread around Collinsport.
1966: On the Season 3 premiere of Peyton Place, Chris Webber (Gary Haynes) was...
1985: General Hospital's Josh Clayton was killed.
1994: One Life to Live's paralyzed Luna took her first steps.
1994: All My Children's Hayley and Alec plotted revenge."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1966: On Days of our Lives, Tony Merritt (Richard Colla) told Marie Horton (Maree Cheatham) he was leaving Salem.
1966: On Dark Shadows, news of Bill Malloy's death spread around Collinsport.
1966: On the Season 3 premiere of Peyton Place, Chris Webber (Gary Haynes) was...
- 9/12/2019
- by Unknown
- We Love Soaps
UTA on Wednesday said it has made a significant investment in the powerhouse sports agency Klutch Sports Group, led by its founder and CEO Rich Paul, a move that among other things will create UTA Sports and bring Los Angeles Lakers stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis into the agency fold.
As part of the partnership, Klutch will continue to operate under its own brand and Paul will become Head of UTA Sports, focusing on building UTA’s sports business for athletes in all their professional endeavors, on and off the field.
This comes after UTA had a courtship to acquire Paradigm, which ended when Paradigm chief Sam Gores decided to stay independent. UTA has been raising money to become more aggressive in building inroads to fields like sports and music, which have proved lucrative for rivals like CAA and Wme.
“Rich has built Klutch with the vision, values and entrepreneurial spirit that UTA cherishes,...
As part of the partnership, Klutch will continue to operate under its own brand and Paul will become Head of UTA Sports, focusing on building UTA’s sports business for athletes in all their professional endeavors, on and off the field.
This comes after UTA had a courtship to acquire Paradigm, which ended when Paradigm chief Sam Gores decided to stay independent. UTA has been raising money to become more aggressive in building inroads to fields like sports and music, which have proved lucrative for rivals like CAA and Wme.
“Rich has built Klutch with the vision, values and entrepreneurial spirit that UTA cherishes,...
- 7/17/2019
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Howard Bryant’s book The Heritage: Black Athletes, a Divided America, and the Politics of Patriotism, is in the works for television. Maverick TV, an All3Media America Company, will adapt the book into a multi-part docuseries, with Sacha Jenkins, and his production company Mass Appeal, attached to executive produce. Jenkins also will direct an episode. Each subsequent episode will be helmed by a different African-American filmmaker to provide a unique and personal perspective on the story.
The book, published by Beacon Press in 2018, is a powerful chronology of black athletes’ activism within a tense American political climate. The Heritage docuseries will articulate the narratives of today’s divided America from the iconic African American athletes of the 1950s and 1960s, like Jackie Robinson and Muhammad Ali whose actions created a “heritage” of black athletic political engagement, to those...
The book, published by Beacon Press in 2018, is a powerful chronology of black athletes’ activism within a tense American political climate. The Heritage docuseries will articulate the narratives of today’s divided America from the iconic African American athletes of the 1950s and 1960s, like Jackie Robinson and Muhammad Ali whose actions created a “heritage” of black athletic political engagement, to those...
- 7/8/2019
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
The NBA playoffs kick off this weekend, but there is one notable absence: LeBron James.
For the first time since 2005, the league’s most recognizable player will be sitting at home when the postseason tips off, ending a disastrous first season with the Los Angeles Lakers. But how much will that impact the Nielsen ratings for ESPN/ABC and Turner?
“Not having him in the playoffs? Obviously that is going to hurt,” Reggie Miller, an analyst for TNT, said during a press call earlier this week. But he adds that the Golden State Warriors going for a three-peat — and four in the past five years — is one of many still-compelling storylines this postseason.
“What’s fun now is seeing who wants to take the mantle LeBron has created,” fellow TNT analyst Chris Webber added. “The Playoffs overall are going to be so exciting and competitive that the casual fan will...
For the first time since 2005, the league’s most recognizable player will be sitting at home when the postseason tips off, ending a disastrous first season with the Los Angeles Lakers. But how much will that impact the Nielsen ratings for ESPN/ABC and Turner?
“Not having him in the playoffs? Obviously that is going to hurt,” Reggie Miller, an analyst for TNT, said during a press call earlier this week. But he adds that the Golden State Warriors going for a three-peat — and four in the past five years — is one of many still-compelling storylines this postseason.
“What’s fun now is seeing who wants to take the mantle LeBron has created,” fellow TNT analyst Chris Webber added. “The Playoffs overall are going to be so exciting and competitive that the casual fan will...
- 4/12/2019
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Kyrie Irving is headed back to the big screen!
The 26-year-old Boston Celtics player, who recently starred in the basketball comedy Uncle Drew, announced on Monday that he would be starring in an upcoming, untitled horror film about a haunted Oklahoma hotel, Variety reported.
Unlike his previous film, however, Irving will be executive producing the movie — a first for his career.
Teaming up with Imagine Entertainment’s chairmen Brian Grazer and Bobby Cohen, Irving will help tell the folklore-inspired story of the legendary Skirvin Hotel in Oklahoma City.
Amongst NBA players, the hotel has a reputation of being haunted, which...
The 26-year-old Boston Celtics player, who recently starred in the basketball comedy Uncle Drew, announced on Monday that he would be starring in an upcoming, untitled horror film about a haunted Oklahoma hotel, Variety reported.
Unlike his previous film, however, Irving will be executive producing the movie — a first for his career.
Teaming up with Imagine Entertainment’s chairmen Brian Grazer and Bobby Cohen, Irving will help tell the folklore-inspired story of the legendary Skirvin Hotel in Oklahoma City.
Amongst NBA players, the hotel has a reputation of being haunted, which...
- 1/30/2019
- by Joelle Goldstein
- PEOPLE.com
Could the Golden State Warriors starting 5 *actually* single-handedly beat the Eastern Conference All-Star starters?!?! You better believe it ... so says Chris Webber, who tells TMZ Sports the Dubs are just too damn good to lose that fantasy matchup. The 2019 All-Star game starters were announced Thursday night ... here's the East: -- Kyrie Irving, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Joel Embiid, Kawhi Leonard and Kemba Walker Here's the Warriors starting lineup: -- Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, Boogie Cousins, Klay Thompson...
- 1/26/2019
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
American sports comedy, “Uncle Drew” has netted itself a theatrical release in mainland China, where basketball is a major sport. It will be released in Chinese cinemas on Jan. 11, 2019.
Starring hoops legend Kyrie Irving in the title role, the film delivers a story about a team of old-time ball players who pull together for one last tournament. It also stars Chris Webber, Shaquille O’Neal, Chris Webber, Reggie Miller and Nate Robinson.
“Uncle Drew” was originally a digital episodic series, conceived by Pepsi. The movie version, directed by Charles Stone, was produced by Temple Hill in association with PepsiCo’s Creators League Studios. Released by Lionsgate’s Summit Entertainment in North America in June, the film racked up $42.5 million stateside.
The Middle Kingdom outing is likely to significantly swell the film’s score outside North America, which to date stands at a lowly $2.4 million, with fully a third of that coming from Chinese-administered Hong Kong.
Starring hoops legend Kyrie Irving in the title role, the film delivers a story about a team of old-time ball players who pull together for one last tournament. It also stars Chris Webber, Shaquille O’Neal, Chris Webber, Reggie Miller and Nate Robinson.
“Uncle Drew” was originally a digital episodic series, conceived by Pepsi. The movie version, directed by Charles Stone, was produced by Temple Hill in association with PepsiCo’s Creators League Studios. Released by Lionsgate’s Summit Entertainment in North America in June, the film racked up $42.5 million stateside.
The Middle Kingdom outing is likely to significantly swell the film’s score outside North America, which to date stands at a lowly $2.4 million, with fully a third of that coming from Chinese-administered Hong Kong.
- 12/30/2018
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Fresh from a losing effort against the New York Knicks, Boston Celtics guard Kyrie Irving was in no mood for gratitude on Wednesday night. When a sports reporter wished him a Happy Thanksgiving the five-time NBA All-Star gave the holiday a hard foul.
The Uncle Drew star and Pepsi Max pitchman told the scribe that he doesn’t celebrate the holiday. For emphasis he added: “F— Thanksgiving.”
On Thursday, after taking considerable heat, Irving took to Twitter and admitted his comments were out-of-bounds although he stopped short of offering an actual apology.
“I spoke with frustration after last night’s game and spoke words that shouldn’t be in a professional setting no matter what,” Irving tweeted.
In a follow-up tweet he added: “Meant no disrespect to the holiday and those who celebrate it respectfully. I’m grateful for the time we all can share with our families. We are always One.
The Uncle Drew star and Pepsi Max pitchman told the scribe that he doesn’t celebrate the holiday. For emphasis he added: “F— Thanksgiving.”
On Thursday, after taking considerable heat, Irving took to Twitter and admitted his comments were out-of-bounds although he stopped short of offering an actual apology.
“I spoke with frustration after last night’s game and spoke words that shouldn’t be in a professional setting no matter what,” Irving tweeted.
In a follow-up tweet he added: “Meant no disrespect to the holiday and those who celebrate it respectfully. I’m grateful for the time we all can share with our families. We are always One.
- 11/22/2018
- by Geoff Boucher
- Deadline Film + TV
1966: Days of our Lives' Tony prepared to leave town.
1985: General Hospital's Josh Clayton was killed.
1994: One Life to Live's paralyzed Luna took her first steps.
1994: All My Children's Hayley and Alec plotted revenge."The best prophet of the future is the past."
― Lord Byron
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1966: On Days of our Lives, Tony Merritt (Richard Colla) told Marie Horton (Maree Cheatham) he was leaving Salem.
1966: On Dark Shadows, news of Bill Malloy's death spread around Collinsport.
1966: On the Season 3 premiere of Peyton Place, Chris Webber (Gary Haynes) was furious with Steven Cord (James Douglas) for defending his brother,...
1985: General Hospital's Josh Clayton was killed.
1994: One Life to Live's paralyzed Luna took her first steps.
1994: All My Children's Hayley and Alec plotted revenge."The best prophet of the future is the past."
― Lord Byron
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1966: On Days of our Lives, Tony Merritt (Richard Colla) told Marie Horton (Maree Cheatham) he was leaving Salem.
1966: On Dark Shadows, news of Bill Malloy's death spread around Collinsport.
1966: On the Season 3 premiere of Peyton Place, Chris Webber (Gary Haynes) was furious with Steven Cord (James Douglas) for defending his brother,...
- 9/12/2018
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
An all-star cast drives to the hoop in the hilarious basketball comedy Uncle Drew, arriving on 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack (plus Blu-ray and Digital), Blu-ray Combo Pack (plus DVD and Digital), DVD, and On Demand September 25from Summit Entertainment, a Lionsgate company.
An all-star cast drives to the hoop in the hilarious basketball comedy Uncle Drew, arriving on Digital September 11 and on 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack (plus Blu-ray and Digital), Blu-ray Combo Pack (plus DVD and Digital), DVD, and On Demand September 25 from Summit Entertainment, a Lionsgate company. Based on the hit Pepsi web series, the film tells the raucous tale of a young team owner and Uncle Drew rounding up Drew’s old basketball squad to prove that a group of septuagenarians can still win the big one. Starring in the film are NBA All-Star Kyrie Irving (Uncle Drew Web Series); Lil Rel Howery (Get Out, TV...
An all-star cast drives to the hoop in the hilarious basketball comedy Uncle Drew, arriving on Digital September 11 and on 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack (plus Blu-ray and Digital), Blu-ray Combo Pack (plus DVD and Digital), DVD, and On Demand September 25 from Summit Entertainment, a Lionsgate company. Based on the hit Pepsi web series, the film tells the raucous tale of a young team owner and Uncle Drew rounding up Drew’s old basketball squad to prove that a group of septuagenarians can still win the big one. Starring in the film are NBA All-Star Kyrie Irving (Uncle Drew Web Series); Lil Rel Howery (Get Out, TV...
- 9/11/2018
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
University of Michigan fans shouldn't point their fingers at Ohio State over the Urban Meyer scandal, 'cause the Maize & Blue don't exactly have clean hands either ... so says an ex-Osu football star. Buckeye legend Shawn Springs -- the #3 pick in the '97 NFL Draft -- says he's definitely not proud of what went down at Ohio State and knows the school needs to do better. But, trash talk doesn't help anyone. He also points...
- 8/25/2018
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Stars: Kyrie Irving, Lil Rel Howery, Shaquille O’Neal, Chris Webber, Reggie Miller, Nate Robinson, Lisa Leslie, Erica Ash, Tiffany Haddish, Nick Kroll, Aaron Gordon, Mike Epps, J.B. Smoove, Wesley Witherspoon, Thomas Mills | Written by Jay Longino | Directed by Charles Stone III
Apparently based on a series of Pepsi commercials, Uncle Drew features a standout cast of NBA talent, including Shaquille O’Neil, Nate Robinson, Reggie Miller, and Chris Webber, alongside Wnba legend Lisa Leslie, all hiding under copious amounts of make-up – the joke being that these are real basketball stars playing old men… And that’s essentially the extent of the films marketing: “Wouldn’t it be funny to see NBA stars playing old men in make-up and beating younger players?” It’s a very fine thread on to which to hang a film. Especially here in the UK, where not only does the sport not have a huge...
Apparently based on a series of Pepsi commercials, Uncle Drew features a standout cast of NBA talent, including Shaquille O’Neil, Nate Robinson, Reggie Miller, and Chris Webber, alongside Wnba legend Lisa Leslie, all hiding under copious amounts of make-up – the joke being that these are real basketball stars playing old men… And that’s essentially the extent of the films marketing: “Wouldn’t it be funny to see NBA stars playing old men in make-up and beating younger players?” It’s a very fine thread on to which to hang a film. Especially here in the UK, where not only does the sport not have a huge...
- 7/7/2018
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
Am I a basketball fan? No. Am I aware of the Uncle Drew commercials? No. Can someone who isn’t a basketball fan, and isn’t aware of the Uncle Drew commercials appreciate this film? Probably not.
Uncle Drew is exactly the formulaic sports-comedy film that you’d expect it to be. Basketball coach/FootLocker sales assistant Dax (Lil Rel Howery) pours his life-savings into a Harlem-based basketball team for the chance to win a local tournament, only to see his star player Casper (Aaron Gordon) and other key players abandon him, and to play for Mookie’s (Nick Kroll) team, Dax’s arch nemesis. Now Dax is without a team, is without a home after being dumped by his shallow girlfriend Jess (Tiffany Haddish), and he has no hope of winning the prize money. Dax must, therefore, seek out a saviour. Dax stumbles upon the legendary Uncle Drew (Kyrie Irving...
Uncle Drew is exactly the formulaic sports-comedy film that you’d expect it to be. Basketball coach/FootLocker sales assistant Dax (Lil Rel Howery) pours his life-savings into a Harlem-based basketball team for the chance to win a local tournament, only to see his star player Casper (Aaron Gordon) and other key players abandon him, and to play for Mookie’s (Nick Kroll) team, Dax’s arch nemesis. Now Dax is without a team, is without a home after being dumped by his shallow girlfriend Jess (Tiffany Haddish), and he has no hope of winning the prize money. Dax must, therefore, seek out a saviour. Dax stumbles upon the legendary Uncle Drew (Kyrie Irving...
- 7/5/2018
- by Matthew Lee
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
“Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” is continuing to top the box office with an estimated $59 million from 4,485 North American locations in its sophomore frame.
The number marks a roughly 60% decline from its opening weekend of $148 million, which marked the 20th-best of all time. The Chris Pratt-led tentpole has reeled in $204.8 million domestically for Universal and about $809 million worldwide. Only 25 films have topped the $60 million domestic mark in their second weekends.
Looking to land the second place slot is Disney-Pixar’s third weekend of “Incredibles 2,” with an estimated $44 million. The animated superhero film has been a box office smash for Disney, earning $407 million domestically and $156.9 million internationally. The film opened to $182 million, outstripping “Finding Dory” to achieve the biggest opening weekend of all time for an animated film.
“Sicario: Day of the Soldado” is aiming for an estimated $18.2 million debut from 3,055 theaters, which would hand it third place.
The number marks a roughly 60% decline from its opening weekend of $148 million, which marked the 20th-best of all time. The Chris Pratt-led tentpole has reeled in $204.8 million domestically for Universal and about $809 million worldwide. Only 25 films have topped the $60 million domestic mark in their second weekends.
Looking to land the second place slot is Disney-Pixar’s third weekend of “Incredibles 2,” with an estimated $44 million. The animated superhero film has been a box office smash for Disney, earning $407 million domestically and $156.9 million internationally. The film opened to $182 million, outstripping “Finding Dory” to achieve the biggest opening weekend of all time for an animated film.
“Sicario: Day of the Soldado” is aiming for an estimated $18.2 million debut from 3,055 theaters, which would hand it third place.
- 6/30/2018
- by Erin Nyren
- Variety Film + TV
The dinosaurs are still stomping all over domestic moviegoing as the second frame of “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” heads for a $59 million weekend, early estimates showed Friday.
Sony’s opening of “Sicario: Day of the Soldado” is heading for a solid $20 million at 3,055 North American locations. Lionsgate’s basketball comedy “Uncle Drew” will score about $16 million at 2,842 sites. And Disney’s third weekend of “Incredibles 2″ will continue to dazzle with about $40 million — a 50% decline, which will give the blockbuster a stunning $435 million by the end of the weekend.
Universal’s sophomore session of “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” is pegged to decline about 60% from its opening weekend of $148 million, which was the 20th-best of all time. The Chris Pratt-led tentpole has pocketed $204.8 million in its first seven days domestically and about $809 million worldwide. Only 25 films have topped the $60 million domestic mark in their second weekends.
Josh Brolin and Benicio Del Toro...
Sony’s opening of “Sicario: Day of the Soldado” is heading for a solid $20 million at 3,055 North American locations. Lionsgate’s basketball comedy “Uncle Drew” will score about $16 million at 2,842 sites. And Disney’s third weekend of “Incredibles 2″ will continue to dazzle with about $40 million — a 50% decline, which will give the blockbuster a stunning $435 million by the end of the weekend.
Universal’s sophomore session of “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” is pegged to decline about 60% from its opening weekend of $148 million, which was the 20th-best of all time. The Chris Pratt-led tentpole has pocketed $204.8 million in its first seven days domestically and about $809 million worldwide. Only 25 films have topped the $60 million domestic mark in their second weekends.
Josh Brolin and Benicio Del Toro...
- 6/29/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Chicago – Sometimes, you just want to escape to the surreal “Land of The Feel Good,” where all relationships work themselves out and all results are victorious. “Uncle Drew” is that film for this pre-holiday weekend, and although this basketball comedy is not a slam dunk, it certainly hits several heart-and-soul points.
Rating: 3.5/5.0
Chicago comedian and actor Lil Rel Howery is the glue of the film, portraying the coach of a team old guys from the 1960s – actually current and ex-NBA/Wnba stars in old folks makeup – and taking them to the Rucker Classic, an actual playground tournament that is the stuff of legend. The film is loaded with classic African American culture… the barbershop, going-to-church and the playground b-ball court… but it also works as a sports comedy, as the old dudes play at a pro ball level behind their makeup, which makes the on-court action as strange as a fairy tale.
Rating: 3.5/5.0
Chicago comedian and actor Lil Rel Howery is the glue of the film, portraying the coach of a team old guys from the 1960s – actually current and ex-NBA/Wnba stars in old folks makeup – and taking them to the Rucker Classic, an actual playground tournament that is the stuff of legend. The film is loaded with classic African American culture… the barbershop, going-to-church and the playground b-ball court… but it also works as a sports comedy, as the old dudes play at a pro ball level behind their makeup, which makes the on-court action as strange as a fairy tale.
- 6/29/2018
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Sony’s “Sicario: Day of the Soldado” has opened with a solid $2 million at 2,669 North American locations on Thursday.
The sequel topped Lionsgate’s basketball comedy “Uncle Drew,” which scored $1.1 million at 2,200 sites in previews.
Universal’s sophomore frame of “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” is expected to dominate the weekend with $60 million to $75 million. The Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard-led tentpole has pocketed $193.4 million in its first six days domestically and about $800 million worldwide.
Disney’s third weekend of “Incredibles 2” will finish in second place with $40 million to $50 million. The animated sequel has taken in a blockbuster $384 million in its first two weeks domestically.
Josh Brolin and Benicio Del Toro return in the action-drama “Sicario: Day of the Soldado” — a sequel to 2015’s “Sicario.” Box office prognosticators have predicted an opening between $10 million to $13 million at 3,055 locations. That’s on par with the original film, which debuted...
The sequel topped Lionsgate’s basketball comedy “Uncle Drew,” which scored $1.1 million at 2,200 sites in previews.
Universal’s sophomore frame of “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” is expected to dominate the weekend with $60 million to $75 million. The Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard-led tentpole has pocketed $193.4 million in its first six days domestically and about $800 million worldwide.
Disney’s third weekend of “Incredibles 2” will finish in second place with $40 million to $50 million. The animated sequel has taken in a blockbuster $384 million in its first two weeks domestically.
Josh Brolin and Benicio Del Toro return in the action-drama “Sicario: Day of the Soldado” — a sequel to 2015’s “Sicario.” Box office prognosticators have predicted an opening between $10 million to $13 million at 3,055 locations. That’s on par with the original film, which debuted...
- 6/29/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Alejandro Gillick (Benicio del Toro) has returned to Mexico — and movie theaters — with Columbia’s “Sicario: Day of the Soldado,” the sequel to Denis Villeneuve and Taylor Sheridan’s 2015 acclaimed thriller “Sicario.” Opening at 2,669 locations, the film made $2 million on Thursday from preview screenings.
Comparisons to the first “Sicario” are somewhat difficult, as that film had a two week run in limited release before expanding wide. However, the first “Sicario” did have a wide opening weekend of $12.1 million, and Sony is projecting that “Soldado” will match that amount.
Also Read: 'Sicario: Day of the Soldado' Film Review: Slick Sequel Ups the Violence But Loses the Point
Meanwhile, with a cast led by “Get Out” breakout star Lil Rel Howrey and NBA ace Kyrie Irving, Lionsgate’s “Uncle Drew” entered into theaters on Thursday night and earned $1.1 million in preview screenings from 2,200 locations. The film will expand to 2,749 screens for opening weekend.
Comparisons to the first “Sicario” are somewhat difficult, as that film had a two week run in limited release before expanding wide. However, the first “Sicario” did have a wide opening weekend of $12.1 million, and Sony is projecting that “Soldado” will match that amount.
Also Read: 'Sicario: Day of the Soldado' Film Review: Slick Sequel Ups the Violence But Loses the Point
Meanwhile, with a cast led by “Get Out” breakout star Lil Rel Howrey and NBA ace Kyrie Irving, Lionsgate’s “Uncle Drew” entered into theaters on Thursday night and earned $1.1 million in preview screenings from 2,200 locations. The film will expand to 2,749 screens for opening weekend.
- 6/29/2018
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
So, this Summer a popular kids’ game has made it to the big screen: Tag, though the R-rated comedy isn’t for the smaller set. Well, why not release a flick about a real sport, one that the kiddos love, say basketball? Yes, it’s the subject of comedies and dramas, from Hoosiers to White Men Can”T Jump to Semi-pro. But here’s something that sets this new flick apart. It’s a big screen adaptation, but not from a comic strip, comic book, novel, or TV show. Hmmm, it does have its roots on the tube, though it’s an expansion of a popular commercial campaign. Kind of like that 90’s cult classic, Space Jam. We’re not talking shoes this time, the ads (that date back six years) hawked a soft drink, Pepsi Max. Sure those spots are fun, but will movie audiences want to spend more...
- 6/29/2018
- by Jim Batts
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
The June box office will close with a roar.
“Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” will easily top the weekend again, while newcomers “Sicario: Day of the Soldado” and “Uncle Drew” eye modest double-digit openings.
The second weekend of “Fallen Kingdom” will bring in another $60 million to $75 million. The Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard-led tentpole has pocketed $729.8 million worldwide to date, including $567 million overseas. “Fallen Kingdom” is the sequel to 2015’s “Jurassic World,” which made $106.5 million in its sophomore frame. That film had a bigger launch, however, opening to a franchise-best $208.8 million in North America. The dino blockbuster went on to top $652 million domestically and $1 billion globally. The second should also clear the $1 billion mark.
Meanwhile, Josh Brolin is back on the big screen before he even left. The Academy Award-nominated actor, who led two of this summer’s biggest blockbusters (“Avengers: Infinity War” and “Deadpool 2”) is reteaming with...
“Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” will easily top the weekend again, while newcomers “Sicario: Day of the Soldado” and “Uncle Drew” eye modest double-digit openings.
The second weekend of “Fallen Kingdom” will bring in another $60 million to $75 million. The Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard-led tentpole has pocketed $729.8 million worldwide to date, including $567 million overseas. “Fallen Kingdom” is the sequel to 2015’s “Jurassic World,” which made $106.5 million in its sophomore frame. That film had a bigger launch, however, opening to a franchise-best $208.8 million in North America. The dino blockbuster went on to top $652 million domestically and $1 billion globally. The second should also clear the $1 billion mark.
Meanwhile, Josh Brolin is back on the big screen before he even left. The Academy Award-nominated actor, who led two of this summer’s biggest blockbusters (“Avengers: Infinity War” and “Deadpool 2”) is reteaming with...
- 6/27/2018
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
As a very successful June at the box office comes to a close, “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” is expected to easily hold onto the No. 1 spot with an estimated $75 million second weekend; meanwhile Lionsgate’s “Uncle Drew” and Columbia’s “Sicario: Day of the Soldado” will try to carve out a decent return on their mid-level budgets.
“Sicario: Day of the Soldado,” which opens on 2500 screens this weekend, is the sequel to Denis Villeneuve and Taylor Sheridan’s critically acclaimed “Sicario,” which made $84 million worldwide against a $30 million budget. Though that’s not exactly the sign of a franchise starter, “John Wick” was made into a franchise over at Lionsgate, and that film had an $88 million total against a $20 million budget.
Also Read: 'Sicario: Day of the Soldado' Film Review: Slick Sequel Ups the Violence But Loses the Point
What makes “Soldado” risky is that Benicio Del Toro...
“Sicario: Day of the Soldado,” which opens on 2500 screens this weekend, is the sequel to Denis Villeneuve and Taylor Sheridan’s critically acclaimed “Sicario,” which made $84 million worldwide against a $30 million budget. Though that’s not exactly the sign of a franchise starter, “John Wick” was made into a franchise over at Lionsgate, and that film had an $88 million total against a $20 million budget.
Also Read: 'Sicario: Day of the Soldado' Film Review: Slick Sequel Ups the Violence But Loses the Point
What makes “Soldado” risky is that Benicio Del Toro...
- 6/27/2018
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
Chicago – The born-in-Chicago comedian and now actor, Lil Rel Howery, is on a hot streak. Besides practically stealing the classic film of last year, “Get Out,” Howery was just seen in “Tag,” and is taking on a lead role in “Uncle Drew.” The new film is a basketball comedy featuring NBA/Wnba players taking on different roles.
Yes, it is NBA/Wnba stars – Kyrie Irving (as Uncle Drew), Shaquille O’Neal, Chris Webber, Reggie Miller, Nate Robinson and Lisa Leslie – who go behind “old age” makeup to portray a rag-tag group of 1960s b-ball players who once dominated the “Rucker Classic”… a real playground tournament that still draws top players today. Lil Rel portrays an orphaned basketball addict who now coaches, but loses his team right at tourney time. In steps Uncle Drew to “get the band back together,” and that reunion is at the heart of this unusual and endearing film.
Yes, it is NBA/Wnba stars – Kyrie Irving (as Uncle Drew), Shaquille O’Neal, Chris Webber, Reggie Miller, Nate Robinson and Lisa Leslie – who go behind “old age” makeup to portray a rag-tag group of 1960s b-ball players who once dominated the “Rucker Classic”… a real playground tournament that still draws top players today. Lil Rel portrays an orphaned basketball addict who now coaches, but loses his team right at tourney time. In steps Uncle Drew to “get the band back together,” and that reunion is at the heart of this unusual and endearing film.
- 6/27/2018
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Athletes bring an unparalleled level of enthusiasm to their line of work, so it’s no surprise that energy translated to the big screen as current and former professional basketball players took on new roles as actors in “Uncle Drew.”
What started as a series of Pepsi commercials is now a feature film about a desperate basketball coach who embarks on a road trip to wrangle and reunite a group of septuagenarian past players to enter, and hopefully win, the Rucker Classic street ball tournament in Harlem.
“It’s about taking risks and doing what your heart compels you to do,” director Charles Stone III told Variety at the “Uncle Drew” premiere in New York City on Tuesday.
Also in attendance were athletes and actors Kyrie Irving, Shaquille O’Neal, Chris Webber, Reggie Miller, Nate Robinson, and Lisa Leslie.
For the non-athletes involved in “Uncle Drew,” it was both rewarding...
What started as a series of Pepsi commercials is now a feature film about a desperate basketball coach who embarks on a road trip to wrangle and reunite a group of septuagenarian past players to enter, and hopefully win, the Rucker Classic street ball tournament in Harlem.
“It’s about taking risks and doing what your heart compels you to do,” director Charles Stone III told Variety at the “Uncle Drew” premiere in New York City on Tuesday.
Also in attendance were athletes and actors Kyrie Irving, Shaquille O’Neal, Chris Webber, Reggie Miller, Nate Robinson, and Lisa Leslie.
For the non-athletes involved in “Uncle Drew,” it was both rewarding...
- 6/27/2018
- by Taryn Tacher
- Variety Film + TV
Universal/Amblin Entertainment’s Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom stomped to an estimated $18.4 million yesterday, making it the second-best take for a live-action movie in June on a Tuesday, filing behind Jurassic World‘s $24.3M and ahead of Warner Bros’ Wonder Woman at $14.3M.
This weekend the J.A. Bayona-directed movie is poised to make $60M in its second frame, off 60%, but know that the dinosaurs will continue to own the box office through July 4 — until Disney/Marvel’s Ant-Man and the Wasp arrives the following night July 5. Through five days, Fallen Kingdom has amassed $181.2M stateside.
Technically, Fallen Kingdom‘s Tuesday is the fourth best for the month, those titles ahead of it being largely animated pics. June’s top films on a Tuesday include Incredibles 2 ($27M last week on June 19), Jurassic World ($24.3M, June 16, 2015), and Finding Dory ($23.1M, June 21, 2016).
Last weekend, Fallen Kingdom came in $2M shy of...
This weekend the J.A. Bayona-directed movie is poised to make $60M in its second frame, off 60%, but know that the dinosaurs will continue to own the box office through July 4 — until Disney/Marvel’s Ant-Man and the Wasp arrives the following night July 5. Through five days, Fallen Kingdom has amassed $181.2M stateside.
Technically, Fallen Kingdom‘s Tuesday is the fourth best for the month, those titles ahead of it being largely animated pics. June’s top films on a Tuesday include Incredibles 2 ($27M last week on June 19), Jurassic World ($24.3M, June 16, 2015), and Finding Dory ($23.1M, June 21, 2016).
Last weekend, Fallen Kingdom came in $2M shy of...
- 6/27/2018
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Pepsi’s commercials featuring NBA star Kyrie Irving as the elderly basketball superstar Uncle Drew have become so popular that they decided to make a full-length movie out of it. Turning an idea for a 30-second advertisement into the basis for a full-length movie or TV series is the Hollywood equivalent of alchemy. But in our modern age of high-concept filmmaking, that hasn’t stopped studios from trying if they think an ad has a strong enough premise. Here are seven commercials that became something much more before “Uncle Drew.”
“Cavemen”: Probably one of the most infamous examples of commercials becoming a TV show. “Cavemen” was based off a series of Geico ads about modern-world cavemen insulted by the insurance company’s slogan “So easy a caveman could do it.”
The commercial’s creator, Joe Lawson, turned it into a sitcom in 2007 that aired on ABC, and it is...
“Cavemen”: Probably one of the most infamous examples of commercials becoming a TV show. “Cavemen” was based off a series of Geico ads about modern-world cavemen insulted by the insurance company’s slogan “So easy a caveman could do it.”
The commercial’s creator, Joe Lawson, turned it into a sitcom in 2007 that aired on ABC, and it is...
- 6/27/2018
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
Wamg is celebrating the opening of the hilarious movie, Uncle Drew, with a prizepack giveaway!
The film opens this Friday, June 29.
3 winners will receive:
T-shirt Other great prizes
To enter –
Add your name and email address in our comments section below. No purchase necessary.
After draining his life savings to enter a team in the Rucker Classic street ball tournament in Harlem, Dax (Lil Rel Howery) is dealt a series of unfortunate setbacks, including losing his team to his longtime rival (Nick Kroll). Desperate to win the tournament and the cash prize, Dax stumbles upon the man, the myth, the legend Uncle Drew (NBA All-Star Kyrie Irving) and convinces him to return to the court one more time. The two men embark on a road trip to round up Drew’s old basketball squad and prove that a group of septuagenarians can still win the big one.
Visit the official site: www.
The film opens this Friday, June 29.
3 winners will receive:
T-shirt Other great prizes
To enter –
Add your name and email address in our comments section below. No purchase necessary.
After draining his life savings to enter a team in the Rucker Classic street ball tournament in Harlem, Dax (Lil Rel Howery) is dealt a series of unfortunate setbacks, including losing his team to his longtime rival (Nick Kroll). Desperate to win the tournament and the cash prize, Dax stumbles upon the man, the myth, the legend Uncle Drew (NBA All-Star Kyrie Irving) and convinces him to return to the court one more time. The two men embark on a road trip to round up Drew’s old basketball squad and prove that a group of septuagenarians can still win the big one.
Visit the official site: www.
- 6/25/2018
- by Movie Geeks
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Many of you are probably more familiar with Uncle Drew than you may realize. From YouTube videos to television commercials - especially The General Insurance - many viewers had already been introduced to the fictional, but “legendary,” basketball player played by real life pro Kyrie Irving. And now, he is hitting the big screen with a bit of old age make-up and of course a few friends. Irving is joined by Shaquille O’Neal, Chris Webber, Reggie Miller,... Read More...
- 6/25/2018
- by JimmyO
- JoBlo.com
In the comedy Uncle Drew (out June 29), five-time NBA All-Star Kyrie Irving of the Boston Celtics is aged up to play the title role of a retired legend who’s persuaded by Lil Rel Howery to compete in a street tournament. Co-star Tiffany Haddish thought Irving was just some old guy.
“When I came to work the first day, they all took pictures with me and stuff,” says Haddish, referring to such hoops stars in the movie as Chris Webber and Reggie Miller. (The film also features Shaquille O’Neal, Lisa Leslie and Nick Kroll.) “I’m ...
“When I came to work the first day, they all took pictures with me and stuff,” says Haddish, referring to such hoops stars in the movie as Chris Webber and Reggie Miller. (The film also features Shaquille O’Neal, Lisa Leslie and Nick Kroll.) “I’m ...
- 6/25/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
In the comedy Uncle Drew (out June 29), five-time NBA All-Star Kyrie Irving of the Boston Celtics is aged up to play the title role of a retired legend who’s persuaded by Lil Rel Howery to compete in a street tournament. Co-star Tiffany Haddish thought Irving was just some old guy.
“When I came to work the first day, they all took pictures with me and stuff,” says Haddish, referring to such hoops stars in the movie as Chris Webber and Reggie Miller. (The film also features Shaquille O’Neal, Lisa Leslie and Nick Kroll.) “I’m ...
“When I came to work the first day, they all took pictures with me and stuff,” says Haddish, referring to such hoops stars in the movie as Chris Webber and Reggie Miller. (The film also features Shaquille O’Neal, Lisa Leslie and Nick Kroll.) “I’m ...
- 6/25/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Nick Kroll had a wardrobe malfunction on Wednesday when he split his pants during the middle of an interview on Jimmy Kimmel Live!. Before the fashion mishap, Kroll was telling Jimmy Kimmel about his new movie, Uncle Drew. In the movie, a man named Dax (played by Lil Rel Howery) enters a basketball tournament but loses his time to Kroll's character Nick. He recruits Uncle Drew (played by NBA star Kyrie Irving) to help him out. The men try to rally Drew's former teammates, who just so happen to be legends like Shaquille O'Neal, Chris Webber, Reggie Miller and Lisa Leslie. During the interview, Kroll said he actually got to play a little basketball against Irving. "I know I'm not...
- 6/21/2018
- E! Online
Uncle Drew began its life as a series of online episodes, but now it’s making the leap to the big screen. The basketball flick teams current NBA All-Star Kyrie Irving with a crew of legends, including Reggie Miller, Chris Webber, and Shaquille O’Neal, who says Uncle Drew has immediately jumped onto his list of all-time [...]
The post ‘Uncle Drew’ Makes Shaq’s Hoops Movie All-Star Team appeared first on Hollywood Outbreak.
The post ‘Uncle Drew’ Makes Shaq’s Hoops Movie All-Star Team appeared first on Hollywood Outbreak.
- 6/20/2018
- by Hollywood Outbreak
- HollywoodOutbreak.com
“Uncle Drew” was a fun movie to make. That’s not a shot in the dark, but a fact. The credits of director Charles Stone III’s latest film shows the cast and crew in good spirits, cracking jokes and goofing around on set.
It’s a healthy mix of comedy and basketball, Lil Rel Howery making people laugh, and Nate Robinson dunking on Shaquille O’Neal. It’s in those closing credits that the film crystallizes into what it wants to be: a movie about a bunch of people who love basketball and trash-talking in equal measure. This is the film Stone (“Drumline”) probably wanted to make. What he actually made is something else.
Drawing from a script by Jay Longino (“Skiptrace”), we open on Dax (Lil Rel Howery), a mid-30s Foot Locker employee whose passion for basketball has translated into entering a street-ball tournament at Rucker Park in Harlem.
It’s a healthy mix of comedy and basketball, Lil Rel Howery making people laugh, and Nate Robinson dunking on Shaquille O’Neal. It’s in those closing credits that the film crystallizes into what it wants to be: a movie about a bunch of people who love basketball and trash-talking in equal measure. This is the film Stone (“Drumline”) probably wanted to make. What he actually made is something else.
Drawing from a script by Jay Longino (“Skiptrace”), we open on Dax (Lil Rel Howery), a mid-30s Foot Locker employee whose passion for basketball has translated into entering a street-ball tournament at Rucker Park in Harlem.
- 6/19/2018
- by Sam Fragoso
- The Wrap
You know that feeling when you go to the megaplex, buy your ticket, then hit the concession stand to order a bucket of popcorn and a large soda, only to discover that they carry only Pepsi products? Stuck playing catch-up in the on-screen marketing game ever since Coca-Cola bought Columbia Pictures in 1982, Pepsi has been trying to get its hooks into the moviegoing experience for decades, and now, America’s runner-up soft-drink brand has found a strategy that goes beyond product placement, underwriting a big-screen version of its “Uncle Drew” viral short film phenom, in which NBA star Kyrie Irving dons “Dirty Grandpa”-style old-man makeup and punks a bunch of unsuspecting street ball players.
While it won’t increase your appetite for zero-calorie sugar water one bit, this affectionate basketball-themed comedy from sports-savvy director Charles Stone III (“Mr. 3000”) comes across as an effective feature-length ad for the game itself.
While it won’t increase your appetite for zero-calorie sugar water one bit, this affectionate basketball-themed comedy from sports-savvy director Charles Stone III (“Mr. 3000”) comes across as an effective feature-length ad for the game itself.
- 6/19/2018
- by Peter Debruge
- Variety Film + TV
The best film ever adapted from a series of soft drink commercials, Charles Stone III’s “Uncle Drew” is such a well-acted, warm-hearted basketball comedy that you’re liable to forget about its corporate origins. To be honest, it’s hard to think about such things when you’re struggling to make sense out of Reggie Miller — the ex-Pacer whose three-point daggers taught a generation of young Knicks fans what it means to hate another human being — being an immensely likable actor. And a good one.
Of course, you’re also liable to forget that Reggie Miller is even onscreen in the first place. Like most of the NBA legends who star in this movie, Miller is playing an old-timer several decades his senior, and the Hall of Famer is rendered virtually unrecognizable by layers and layers of Oscar-worthy makeup. To clarify: All of the NBA stars in “Uncle Drew...
Of course, you’re also liable to forget that Reggie Miller is even onscreen in the first place. Like most of the NBA legends who star in this movie, Miller is playing an old-timer several decades his senior, and the Hall of Famer is rendered virtually unrecognizable by layers and layers of Oscar-worthy makeup. To clarify: All of the NBA stars in “Uncle Drew...
- 6/19/2018
- by David Ehrlich
- Indiewire
Uncle Drew opens in theaters June 29, 2018 and Wamg has your passes to see it first at the St. Louis advance screening!
Stars Kyrie Irving, Lil Rel Howery, Shaquille O’Neal, Reggie Miller, Nate Robinson, Chris Webber, Erica Ash, Lisa Leslie, with Tiffany Haddish and Nick Kroll.
After draining his life savings to enter a team in the Rucker Classic street ball tournament in Harlem, Dax (Lil Rel Howery) is dealt a series of unfortunate setbacks, including losing his team to his longtime rival (Nick Kroll). Desperate to win the tournament and the cash prize, Dax stumbles upon the man, the myth, the legend Uncle Drew (NBA All-Star Kyrie Irving) and convinces him to return to the court one more time. The two men embark on a road trip to round up Drew’s old basketball squad and prove that a group of seniors can still win the big one.
After...
Stars Kyrie Irving, Lil Rel Howery, Shaquille O’Neal, Reggie Miller, Nate Robinson, Chris Webber, Erica Ash, Lisa Leslie, with Tiffany Haddish and Nick Kroll.
After draining his life savings to enter a team in the Rucker Classic street ball tournament in Harlem, Dax (Lil Rel Howery) is dealt a series of unfortunate setbacks, including losing his team to his longtime rival (Nick Kroll). Desperate to win the tournament and the cash prize, Dax stumbles upon the man, the myth, the legend Uncle Drew (NBA All-Star Kyrie Irving) and convinces him to return to the court one more time. The two men embark on a road trip to round up Drew’s old basketball squad and prove that a group of seniors can still win the big one.
After...
- 6/19/2018
- by Movie Geeks
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Summer popcorn season is synonymous with big budget blockbusters, so it’s especially fun to see an underdog go head to head with superheroes, massive monsters, or iconic characters and still come out victorious.
Surprise hits aren’t just exciting for audiences, though. They also send a signal to the entertainment industry that studios and filmmakers can bet big on fresh material and see it pay off.
“These films offer proof that Hollywood can still deliver originality and that audiences will often respond enthusiastically to the unexpected cinematic treat that no one saw coming,” said Paul Dergarabedian, senior box office analyst at comScore. “Some of the most notable movies of all-time have been films that prior to their release flew under the radar and then suddenly became massive hits and part of the cultural conversation and resonated within the zeitgeist.”
While we know that tentpoles including “The Incredibles 2,” “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom,...
Surprise hits aren’t just exciting for audiences, though. They also send a signal to the entertainment industry that studios and filmmakers can bet big on fresh material and see it pay off.
“These films offer proof that Hollywood can still deliver originality and that audiences will often respond enthusiastically to the unexpected cinematic treat that no one saw coming,” said Paul Dergarabedian, senior box office analyst at comScore. “Some of the most notable movies of all-time have been films that prior to their release flew under the radar and then suddenly became massive hits and part of the cultural conversation and resonated within the zeitgeist.”
While we know that tentpoles including “The Incredibles 2,” “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom,...
- 6/4/2018
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Set for release here in the UK in just over a month (and already deluging Us airwaves with ad after ad) Lionsgate have released a new poster and trailer for Charles Stone III’s upcoming comedy Uncle Drew. The film sees basketball player Kyrie Irving reprising his role from the Pepsi Max advertisement, alongside Lil Rel Howery, Shaquille O’Neal, Reggie Miller, Nate Robinson, Chris Webber, Erica Ash, Jb Smoove, Lisa Leslie, Tiffany Haddish, Mike Epps, and Nick Kroll.
After draining his life savings to enter a team in the Rucker Classic street ball tournament in Harlem, Dax (Lil Rel Howery) is dealt a series of unfortunate setbacks, including losing his team to his longtime rival (Nick Kroll). Desperate to win the tournament and the cash prize, Dax stumbles upon the man, the myth, the legend Uncle Drew (NBA All-Star Kyrie Irving) and convinces him to return to the court one more time.
After draining his life savings to enter a team in the Rucker Classic street ball tournament in Harlem, Dax (Lil Rel Howery) is dealt a series of unfortunate setbacks, including losing his team to his longtime rival (Nick Kroll). Desperate to win the tournament and the cash prize, Dax stumbles upon the man, the myth, the legend Uncle Drew (NBA All-Star Kyrie Irving) and convinces him to return to the court one more time.
- 6/1/2018
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
Lionsgate UK has dropped a new trailer for sports comedy film, Uncle Drew featuring Shaquille O’Neal and Tiffany Haddish.
Directed by Charles Stone III from a script written by Jay Longino, the film stars Shaquille O’Neal, Chris Webber, Reggie Miller, Nate Robinson; Lil Rel Howery, Lisa Leslie, Erica Ash, J. B. Smoove, Mike Epps, Tiffany Haddish, and Nick Kroll as well as a few former NBA players.
Also in trailers – Ethan Hawke stars in trailer for thriller First Reformed
The film slam dunks into cinemas July 6th.
Uncle Drew Official Synopsis
After draining his life savings to enter a team in the Rucker Classic streetball tournament in Harlem, Dax (Lil Rel Howery) is dealt a series of unfortunate setbacks, including losing his team to his longtime rival (Nick Kroll). Desperate to win the tournament and the cash prize, Dax stumbles upon the man, the myth, the legend Uncle...
Directed by Charles Stone III from a script written by Jay Longino, the film stars Shaquille O’Neal, Chris Webber, Reggie Miller, Nate Robinson; Lil Rel Howery, Lisa Leslie, Erica Ash, J. B. Smoove, Mike Epps, Tiffany Haddish, and Nick Kroll as well as a few former NBA players.
Also in trailers – Ethan Hawke stars in trailer for thriller First Reformed
The film slam dunks into cinemas July 6th.
Uncle Drew Official Synopsis
After draining his life savings to enter a team in the Rucker Classic streetball tournament in Harlem, Dax (Lil Rel Howery) is dealt a series of unfortunate setbacks, including losing his team to his longtime rival (Nick Kroll). Desperate to win the tournament and the cash prize, Dax stumbles upon the man, the myth, the legend Uncle...
- 6/1/2018
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
It's the moment you've all been waiting for! The full trailer has been released for the upcoming comedy Uncle Drew! The movie follows a team of elderly men who have the skills to whoop some ass on the basketball court!
The movie stars NBA stars Kyrie Irving and Shaquille O’Neal, as well as comedians Lil Rel Howery, Tiffany Haddish and Nick Kroll. The movie does look amusing and it should give audiences a few laughs. The movie follows a down-on-his-luck guy who puts together a basketball team of elderly men to enter a streetball tournament. Here's the synopsis:
After draining his life savings to enter a team in the Rucker Classic street ball tournament in Harlem, Dax (Lil Rel Howery) is dealt a series of unfortunate setbacks, including losing his team to his longtime rival (Nick Kroll). Desperate to win the tournament and the cash prize, Dax stumbles upon the man,...
The movie stars NBA stars Kyrie Irving and Shaquille O’Neal, as well as comedians Lil Rel Howery, Tiffany Haddish and Nick Kroll. The movie does look amusing and it should give audiences a few laughs. The movie follows a down-on-his-luck guy who puts together a basketball team of elderly men to enter a streetball tournament. Here's the synopsis:
After draining his life savings to enter a team in the Rucker Classic street ball tournament in Harlem, Dax (Lil Rel Howery) is dealt a series of unfortunate setbacks, including losing his team to his longtime rival (Nick Kroll). Desperate to win the tournament and the cash prize, Dax stumbles upon the man,...
- 4/27/2018
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
"How's that geriatric team of yours?" Lionsgate has released the new, full-length trailer for the basketball comedy Uncle Drew, based on the Pepsi web series about the old timer basketball pro. NBA All-Star Kyrie Irving stars as Uncle Drew, with white hair and a white mustache, a masterful ball player who is recruited to return to the court and help a kid from Harlem win back his respect (and life savings). Lil Rel Howery also stars, with a full cast including Shaquille O'Neal, Reggie Miller, Nate Robinson, Chris Webber, Erica Ash, Lisa Leslie, with Tiffany Haddish and Nick Kroll. This basketball comedy concept, Uncle Drew, first started out as a "digital episodic series" made by Pepsi, that ran for five years, and is now being made into this movie. This really looks fun, might be a very good time at the cinema this summer. Check it. Here's the full official...
- 4/27/2018
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Boston Celtics point guard Kyrie Irving is about to star in his first film, “Uncle Drew,” an ensemble comedy that drafted current and former basketball greats to play geriatrics. Irving — a 25-year-old onetime Rookie of the Year and NBA Champion — debuted the Uncle Drew character in a 2012 commercial for Pepsi Max. The ad has now been viewed on YouTube more than 51 million times; as of October 2016, it was the most-viewed basketball-related clip in the website’s history.
Set in Harlem, the film opens with a dejected Dax (Lil Rel Howery, “Get Out”), who squandered his life’s savings assembling a street ball team lured away by his foe (Nick Kroll). Eyeing a tournament cash prize, he takes legendary player Uncle Drew on a cross-country journey to round-up his courtmates of yore. These roles are filled by Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal, his Orlando Magic teammate Chris Webber, Indiana Pacers icon Reggie Miller,...
Set in Harlem, the film opens with a dejected Dax (Lil Rel Howery, “Get Out”), who squandered his life’s savings assembling a street ball team lured away by his foe (Nick Kroll). Eyeing a tournament cash prize, he takes legendary player Uncle Drew on a cross-country journey to round-up his courtmates of yore. These roles are filled by Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal, his Orlando Magic teammate Chris Webber, Indiana Pacers icon Reggie Miller,...
- 2/14/2018
- by Jenna Marotta
- Indiewire
"Respect your elders." Lionsgate has debuted the teaser trailer for the full-length feature version of Uncle Drew, based on the Pepsi web series about the old timer basketball pro. NBA All-Star Kyrie Irving stars as Uncle Drew, with white hair and a white mustache, a masterful ball player who is recruited to return to the court and help a kid from Harlem win back his respect (and life savings). Lil Rel Howery also stars, with a totally rockin' cast including Shaquille O'Neal, Reggie Miller, Nate Robinson, Chris Webber, Erica Ash, Lisa Leslie, with Tiffany Haddish and Nick Kroll. This basketball comedy concept, Uncle Drew, first started out as a "digital episodic series" made by Pepsi, that ran for five years, and is now being made into this movie. Most may remember the commercials that aired. Damn, does this movie look like fun. Here's the first teaser trailer (+ poster) for Charles Stone III's Uncle Drew,...
- 2/14/2018
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Colin Kaepernick has been out of a job for nearly a year, but his resume still looks appealing ... to Hollywood! A well-known casting director posted on a message board for managers and agents last week, asking for someone representing the former NFL quarterback to contact her. The casting director is currently working on a TV pilot and -- more notably -- the Pepsi commercial-inspired movie "Uncle Drew" starring Kyrie Irving, Lil Rel Howery, Nick Kroll and sports legends like Shaq,...
- 11/25/2017
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
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