Gunnin' for That No. 1 Spot

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Gunnin' for That No. 1 Spot

PG-13

Released Jun 27, 2008

1h 30m

Documentary

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

72%

Tomatometer

43 Reviews

69%

Popcornmeter

250+ Ratings

Rucker Park in New York City's Harlem has been host to many legends, such as Wilt Chamberlain and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Now, the top high-school basketball players in America will assemble on the same court to compete in the first annual "Elite 24" all-star game, which is seen as a good measure of a player's NBA potential. This documentary trails eight of the teens as -- preparing to become champions -- they demonstrate the required dedication that accompanies a swift rise to greatness.

Critics Consensus

Beastie Boy Adam Yauch proves his worth as a director with Gunnin' for That #1 Spot, a fun-filled chronicle of the top high school hoopsters of 2006.

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Joshua Rothkopf

Time Out

Rated: 5/5

Nov 17, 2011

Full Review

Derek Malcolm

London Evening Standard

To concentrate on the film you have to be a basketball fan, or just a basket case.

Rated: 1/5

Oct 10, 2008

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Anthony Quinn

Independent (UK)

Unlike the 1994 basketball doc Hoop Dreams, which investigated collateral issues of education, race and money, this merely sets a twitchy hip-hop soundtrack to an unenlightening parade of eager sporting wannabes.

Rated: 1/5

Oct 10, 2008

Full Review

Mike Massie

Gone With The Twins

The film never manages to find universal footing for viewers not enmeshed in the frenzy and rivalry of an elite game at a legendary basketball arena.

Rated: 5/10

Nov 28, 2020

Full Review

Annie Wagner

The Stranger (Seattle, WA)

Gunnin' for That #1 Spot might intrigue hardcore basketball fans-several of these young players are newly minted NBA draft picks-but even then, you'll have to contend with the shockingly unimaginative soundtrack.

Aug 21, 2017

Full Review

Jennifer Merin

About.com

The extraordinary athleticism and skills of these teenagers, all prime prospects for eventual NBA stardom, makes this a game you really want to see.

Rated: 2.5/5

Jun 27, 2009

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Munkhjargal A

This movie turned out to be a very good movie. It has become a work that has been greatly enjoyed by the audience. I think that the work was born because of the director's poor thinking. It turned out to be a movie that I liked very much. I would like to thank the director and actors.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/01/24

Full Review

Bahad j

In my opinion, the movie uses very good camera and audio visual equipment and the crew members and the filmmakers have played their roles very well. I really liked it.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/31/24

Full Review

Бавуу Э

Rucker Park in New York City's Harlem has been host to many legends, such as Wilt Chamberlain and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Now, the top high-school basketball players in America will assemble on the same court to compete in the first annual "Elite 24" all-star game, which is seen as a good measure of a player's NBA potential. This documentary trails eight of the teens as -- preparing to become champions -- they demonstrate the required dedication that accompanies a swift rise to greatness.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/31/24

Full Review

Geke g

Specific evidence for basketball was way more competitive than now. Ball lovers shall check this out.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/27/24

Full Review

Munkhchimeg T

Who is with me? Basketball lovers should watch

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/27/24

Full Review

Audience Member

9/3/15 Sundance Doc Club This was an interesting movie to watch, especially 7 years after its release because so many players featured are now established NBA stars. Whoever put the line ups together had a good eye for talent. The graphics were small and difficult to read as they pertained to individuals who were interviewed but were not players. Would have been nice to know who they were and how they fit into the story.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/12/23

Full Review

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Adam Yauch

Director

Michael Beasley

Actor

Tyreke Evans

Actor

Bobbito Garcia

Narrator

Brandon Jennings

Actor

Jason Kidd

Actor

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Synopsis

Rucker Park in New York City's Harlem has been host to many legends, such as Wilt Chamberlain and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Now, the top high-school basketball players in America will assemble on the same court to compete in the first annual "Elite 24" all-star game, which is seen as a good measure of a player's NBA potential. This documentary trails eight of the teens as -- preparing to become champions -- they demonstrate the required dedication that accompanies a swift rise to greatness.

Director: Adam Yauch
Producer: Jon Doran, Jim Kaufman, Adam Yauch
Production Co: Oscilloscope Films
Rating: PG-13 (Language)
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jun 27, 2008, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): May 22, 2017
Runtime: 1h 30m

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