White Men Can’t Jump takes a really great classic film and updates it for 2023. It’s got a lot of humor, but it ultimately just fine and forgettable.
Nostalgia is in right now, which is one of the reasons there have been so many reboots and remakes of classic films lately. White Men Can’t Jump is the latest one to hop on the trend, and while it doesn’t disappoint, it is also a little on the forgettable side. In all honesty, the movie itself doesn’t even really feel like a remake when it comes down to it. There are similar elements from the first one sprinkled throughout, but the 2023 version becomes its own thing.
Just like the 1992 film, this one details the world of streetball hustling in Los Angeles. Multi-platinum rap superstar Jack Harlow makes his big-screen debut as Jeremy, a former star of the game whose injuries stalled his career, and Sinqua Walls stars as Kamal, once a promising player who derailed his own future in the sport. The two form an unlikely friendship and begin to gamble on themselves to win streetball matches in order to raise money.
In the original film, the premise was that no Black men knew white men could play basketball well, and especially thought that they could never dunk a ball. This is referenced several times throughout the movie, but it is always done in a way that it is said everyone knows they can play ball now. It never goes too far, or mentions it too many times, so each joke delivers on the laughs.
Jack and Sinqua bring a lot of humor to the screen as well. Their friendship is easy to root for from the very start, with Jack’s character constantly pushing Sinqua’s just a little bit too far. The duo is great together and it would be shocking if they didn’t form a real relationship off screen.
Speaking of shocking, you would never know this is Jack’s first time acting. He takes the script and delivers a performance that makes him instantly relatable to viewers. He just seems like a complete joy to be around, especially once he forms a bond with Sinqua’s character.
Myles Bullock as Renzo and Vince Staples as Speedy are hilarious, offering that comedic relief whenever we need it. While the main plot focuses on Jeremy and Kamal, these two have some great moments as well. The final scene with them is everything — a payoff that was a long time coming and well worth the wait.
That said, the movie itself drags on a bit too long. There are some parts that could have been cut to tighten things up. As much as I love seeing Lance Reddick as a part of the movie, that plotline doesn’t work as well as it could have.
Those who are hardcore fans of the first one might not appreciate what this movie does. It changes it a lot, and like I said above it really does feel like a totally separate movie. It could have easily had a different title and we would have been none the wiser.
Overall Thoughts
White Men Can’t Jump takes what was already a really good movie and updates it for modern times. It is an underdog tale that will have you rooting for both of the main characters, both in their basketball careers and their friendship. There is just enough drama between them and their significant others — and between each other — to keep things interesting. At the same time, there are some great basketball moves mixed in.
If you haven’t seen the 1992 version of the movie, don’t worry. There is absolutely no need to in order to understand this one. It is its own thing, completely separate from the first one. However, the first one is definitely better, so check it out if you have the time.
While it feels a little bit long, and unfortunately might be forgettable in comparison to the original, it is still worth a watch when it hits Hulu on May 19th.
Rating: 2.5 out of 5
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About White Men Can’t Jump
From 20th Century Studios,’ the all-new comedy “White Men Can’t Jump” is a modern remix of the iconic 1992 film that celebrates the streetball hustling culture of Los Angeles. Multi-platinum rap superstar Jack Harlow makes his big-screen debut as Jeremy, a former star of the game whose injuries stalled his career, and Sinqua Walls stars as Kamal, once a promising player who derailed his own future in the sport.
Juggling tenuous relationships, financial pressures and serious internal struggles, the two ballers—opposites who are seemingly miles apart—find they might have more in common than they imagined possible. “White Men Can’t Jump” begins streaming on May 19, 2023, exclusively on Hulu in the U.S., Star+ in Latin America, and Disney+ under the Star banner in all other territories.
Directed by Calmatic, the movie also stars Teyana Taylor, Laura Harrier, Vince Staples, Myles Bullock and Lance Reddick. The film is written by Kenya Barris and Doug Hall. “White Men Can’t Jump” is produced by Kenya Barris and Paul Hall; it’s executive produced by Blake Griffin, Ryan Kalil, Noah Weinstein, Calmatic, Doug Hall, E. Brian Dobbins and James Powers.
