“SHOOTING STARS” All The Right Moves

Shooting Stars, directed by Chris Robinson. Photo Credit: Oluwaseye Olusa/Universal Pictures

The film Shooting Stars has all the right moves as it plays out with a story that works for anyone who watches film. It’s not just a sports movie, but a drama about life and the goals that are set can come true. At first look I figured the film was going to be about the life of LeBron James, especially not knowing his backstory. But this true story has the right pacing, character development and storyline that includes each of the four central players making it a winner in my book.

About to enter their first year of High School, Marquis “Mookie” Cook (LeBron James), Caleb McLaughlin (Lil Dru), Khalil Everage (Sian Cotton), and Avery S. Wills, Jr. (Willie McGee) are already being recognized by High School basketball coaches in Akron. Wanting to make the right choice however, their coach Dru Joyce II (Wood Harris), Lil Dru’s dad, knowing there potential for stardom wants only the best for the four teens. High School will be the test to show their ability to scouts, but its four years of being the best that will be needed to win basketball scouts over.

(from left) LeBron James (Mookie Cook) and Lil Dru Joyce III (Caleb McLaughlin) in Shooting Stars, directed by Chris Robinson. Photo Credit: Oluwaseye Olusa/Universal Pictures

So begins the grueling task that will challenge their friendships, learning respect for the game and their coaches, and dealing with the public eye. Taking the script and turning it into to a winner with not being overly focused on LeBron James’s role, is very difficult for any Director. But Chris Robinson is not just any director as he pulls it off in this compelling film that should have audiences cheering and totally enthralled.

Each of the cast gets plenty of screen time and rightly so as their performances are very realistic and on point. Under the watchful eye of Chris Robinson, we are treated to all the drama, challenges and accolades that the actors provide. Much like the movie King Richard that dealt with individual success, Shooting Stars has that same feel and drive that pushes for excellence beyond the norm. Cheers to Marquis “Mookie” Cook, Khalil Everage Avery S. Wills, Jr. and Caleb McLaughlin (as Lil Dru who steals the show on and off the court) as they gave it their all.

Marquis “Mookie” Cook as LeBron James in Shooting Stars, directed by Chris Robinson. Photo Credit: Oluwaseye Olusa/Universal Pictures

Shooting Stars has been rated PG-13 by the MPAA for strong language, some suggestive references and teen drinking. It is now playing on Peacock streaming service. For sports fans and those that like inspiration and excitement 5 out of 5 Stars.

Friends for life (from left) Sian Cotton, Romeo Travis, Dru Joyce III, Willie McGee, Coach Dru Joyce II and LeBron James .Photo Credit: Universal Pictures

Additional Film Information:
Cast: Wood Harris, Marquis “Mookie” Cook, Caleb McLaughlin, Natalie Paul, Algee Smith, and Dermot Mulroney, Khalil Everage, Sterling “Scoot” Henderson, Katlyn Nichol, Avery S. Wills, Jr.
Directed by: Chris Robinson
Genre: Biography, Sports
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for strong language, some suggestive references and teen drinking
Running Time: 1 hr. 35 min.
Opening Date: June 2, 2023
Distributed by: Universal Pictures
Released in: Peacock streaming

Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com