What We’re Watching: Welcome to ‘rez ball’

Hello again to Hannah Vanbiber. Take it away!

“Rez ball” is a high-velocity style of basketball played on Native American reservations, brought to life in a new movie of the same name on Netflix. Boasting LeBron James as a producer, the film is a fictional story based on “Canyon Dreams,” a book by Michael Powell. The book chronicles the real-life experiences of the filmmakers, who grew up on reservations where high school basketball was as integral to life as high school football in West Texas.

And you know who would’ve been obsessed with this movie? Fourteen-year-old me. (And not just because I would’ve had a crush on the main guy!) Present-day me found it flawed but ultimately still worthwhile.

Let’s review the case:

• Where it hits: “Rez Ball” is the real deal — co-written by two Native American filmmakers and populated with a cast of Native actors who can really ball. They weave the culture, traditions and immense obstacles of reservation life into a kid-friendly, uplifting basketball film.
• Where it misses: It’s more Hallmark than Oscars, and I say that with love in my heart. The story suffers from an accelerated pace, trying to do too much, too predictably, often stretching my credulity.
• Is it worth a shot? If you’re looking for a family sports movie that leaves you somewhere meaningful, absolutely! Be aware it covers issues like addiction, racism and suicide, though it skims the surface and keeps the themes digestible for younger audiences.

Verdict: Your mileage — and patience — may vary with the writing and acting, but it’s an earnest film for young teens or young teens at heart. Say it with me: “What are the rules of rez ball? Run fast. Shoot fast. Don’t ever stop.”

Further reading/watching: