More Than a Game

This slick but shallow documentary follows the brief amateur career of LeBron James, as well as the close circle of friends who formed with him the most dominant high-school team of its time. More Than a Game has its heart in the right place, telling a story of perseverance, teamwork, lifelong friendship and the media crush that descended on James after Sports Illustrated dubbed him “The Chosen One” in 2002. The film spends too much time burying the lede—all five friends get equal time, which just leaves you wanting more on the background, overwhelming talent and premature celebrity of James. There are thoughtful reminiscences from Dru Joyce, who was thrust overnight from overbearing dad to nationally spotlighted prep coach, but the movie doesn’t go much deeper than your typical SportsCenter profile.