Amateur is a relatively smaller independent spurts drama about a young gifted and talented high school prospect. The story is quite believable and the acting by up and coming star Michael Rainey Jr makes for a likable and realistic lead. There is showcasing of basketball being played and also shows the business side and why academics is important.
A key subplot deals with the fact that the star has trouble reading numbers and isn't strong at math, making him unable of reading the scoreboard. It sends a strong message in that working in your academics and school studies has a strong direct link in with his dream of eventually making it into the pros- NBA.
The film somewhat becomes confusing in its last 30 minutes or so when we see him video recording a private message with his coach and father. This part felt unrealistic and it didn't make much sense for the character as to why he would purposefully sabotage his career and his coach's. Though some claim he did it as a way to get off the team, though how would he know that he would he able to re-attend his former high school? The conclusion felt rushed but it was different than what we would come to expect so that was good. In the end, this film is highly overlooked, quite entertaining and would be enjoyed by basketball fans.
