Um Gigante de Talento

As someone who's never really been into sports, "The Air Up There" hardly seems like the sort of movie that I would like, but I did. When basketball talent scout Jimmy Dolan (Kevin Bacon) goes to Kenya to recruit a new player, he ends up finding Saleh, a chief's son whose skills exceed what anyone could have imagined. But before he moves to the states, there are some things that both sides are going to have to deal with.

This movie is interesting mainly for two reasons: it's good to see a sports movie that's not all about machismo, and a movie that looks at Kenyan culture (not one that we usually get to see). The movie isn't really any kind of masterpiece, but it never pretends to be one. There are some scenes that look like they were thrown in for comic relief (namely the goat milk). Pretty interesting.

Paul Michael Glasser's "The Air up There" is a fun film to watch, knowing full well what to expect. It doesn't break new barriers, or brings anything new to this type of film, but it is a totally harmless time in front of the television. Not having seen it in its commercial run, we had a chance to enjoy it the other night when it turned up on cable.

The best thing, as usual, going for this film is Kevin Bacon. Mr. Bacon makes anything he plays in an enjoyable experience. No matter what he does, he is totally believable, as is the case with his role as this coach, Jimmy Dolan, who will go to any extreme in order to get a good basket ball player for his team at Saint Joseph's.

His African journey gives Jimmy Dolan a first eye view of the poverty and hardship the young men in the remote village have to endure. He realizes the potential, especially in Saleh, the young man he wants to bring back to America.

Both Mr. Bacon and Charles Gitonga Maina, who plays Saleh, have an easy time together bonding in a hostile environment. Their inter action makes the film enjoyable. Also, the mostly unknown supporting cast compliment the movie.

Granted, this is a film to watch only for entertainment and to enjoy Kevin Bacon at his most charming self.

I just watched this movie again, and I still love it from when I was a kid. (I know everyone loves some stinkers when they're kids, but bear with me.) This movie was as entertaining now as it was back then.

I know the plot can be predicted almost to the detail, but if that doesn't immediately and absolutely put you off it, it's a real treat. The acting and script are sincere, but even more so, the whole movie just has an innocent sincerity to it that's actually a rare find (even in a kids' movie). If this movie were a romance, it wouldn't hold up at all with this kind of sentimentality, but in a fun movie that's (technically) a sports drama, it really lends something to the whole affair that can put you in a good mood every time you watch it.

I'm sure part of this is Maina's performance, which is so sweet you can't help but like it -- this is coming from a usually-cynical moviegoer who dislikes "sappy" movies.

All in all, it's a charmer.

When college basketball coach Jimmy Dolan loses the hottest new recruit by beating him in a game of one on one and damaging his pride he loses his job and looks for a way to get back. He sees a brilliant African player on a home movie and travels to Kenya to recruit him. However Saleh is the Chief's son and has his own problems as a mining company is trying to get control of the tribe's land.

Bacon is not really a lead actor but someone who can give a good performance in co-lead or support. Here he has a film to carry on his own and struggles with it. Mainly it's due to the formulaic nature of the plot – lets be honest, even from the plot outline above I bet you could guess how's it going to end. However that doesn't mean it's not enjoyable – just not very good. It has plenty of nice laughs and the basketball action is fun and will directed if not realistic.

Despite the formula the cast mainly do quite well, but really it never manages to get above the sort of formulaic sports comedy that we see so often. However it is entertaining and I did enjoy just switching off my brain and letting it go in one ear and out the other.

Instantly forgettable and very by the numbers but some good laughs, good locations and good basketball action make it an entertaining enough film to just veg out in front of. Not great but passable.

The movie talks about an assistant basketball trainer called Jimmy Dolan (Kevin Bacon) who watching a documentary observes a b-ball African sportsman .Then , he heads for Africa hoping to recruit him in the biggest US team . He's a giant and talented young called Saleh but he doesn't want to leave the tribe because being the throne's heir . The tribe is formed by natives Massai-alike . Then they make a wager playing one team against another . Besides , the protagonist will have to surpass hard proofs with purport in converting himself a brave warrior and can play in tribe's team.

The picture is an amusing sports comedy with agreeable and likable interpretation from its principal starring . Enjoyable plot , though sometimes is a little ridiculous and absurd and utilizes tired stereotypical ; however , the film is entertaining and funny . Besides , there is a slight exposition about habits and customs of the African tribes , where are seen how the cows are essential in their lives and particular ceremonies , rites , dances and marriage ceremony . Plus , it has an exciting and moving final tournament that is truly exciting ; and this ending climatic game results to be the highlight film.

Jolly and lively musical score , adding African sounds by David Newman . Glimmer and colorful cinematography by cameraman Dick Pope (Mike Leigh's photographer) , it is well reflected in the spectacular African outdoors. The motion picture was professionally directed by Paul Michael Glaser (Starsky and Hutch). The flick will appeal to basketball buffs . Rating : Acceptable , passable and bemusing .