An anti ageist comedy about a man’s dream to win the Rucker Classic streetball tournament in Harlem.
Uncle Drew (2018) delivers a lighthearted, if predictable, underdog story centered on basketball, nostalgia, and redemption. Directed by Charles Stone III (Drumline), the film stars NBA stars like Kyrie Irving (as the titular Uncle Drew), Shaquille O’Neal, and Chris Webber, alongside comedic talent Lil Rel Howery (Get Out) and Tiffany Haddish. Based on a viral Pepsi Max ad campaign, the movie blends slapstick humor with heartfelt moments but struggles to break free from sports-comedy clichés .
Plot & Structure
The story follows Dax (Howery), a down on his luck sneaker salesman who loses his streetball team to a rival (Nick Kroll). Desperate to win the Rucker Classic tournament and its $100,000 prize, Dax recruits aging basketball legend Uncle Drew and his retired squad. The team Preacher (Webber), Lights (Reggie Miller), Boots (Nate Robinson), and Big Fella (O’Neal) embarks on a road trip to reclaim their glory days while resolving old grudges .
The narrative sticks to a familiar formula: misfit teammates, a high stakes finale, and life lessons about teamwork. While the pacing is brisk (103 minutes), the plot feels thin, relying on repetitive gags like geriatric mishaps and exaggerated physical comedy .
Humor & Performances
The film’s strength lies in its cast. Irving shines as the wise cracking Drew, balancing gravitas with comedic timing. Shaq steals scenes as Big Fella, a martial arts enthusiast with a grudge, while Webber’s Preach era dunk obsessed pastor adds absurd charm. Howery anchors the emotional core as Dax, though his character’s arc (learning to “take the shot”) feels overly sentimental .
The humor leans heavily on age based jokes: Drew’s van has shag carpeting, the team struggles with creaky joints, and a blind Reggie Miller drives backward in a chaotic chase scene. While some gags land (e.g., a senior citizen dance off), others fall flat, like Shaq’s repeated butt exposure jokes . Tiffany Haddish, despite her comedic talent, is underused as Dax’s materialistic girlfriend, reflecting the film’s weak female roles .
Basketball & Nostalgia
For basketball enthusiasts, Uncle Drew is a love letter to the sport. The Rucker Park setting pays homage to streetball history, and cameos from legends like Lisa Leslie add authenticity. Gameplay scenes, though sparse, showcase Irving’s skills with slow motion dunks and slick ball-handling . Inside jokes like a nod to Webber’s infamous 1993 timeout blunder reward die-hard fans .
Technical Flaws
The movie’s makeup effects, aging the athletes into their 70s, are impressive but can’t mask shallow character development. Conflicts, like Drew and Big Fella’s feud over a decades old misunderstanding, resolve too neatly. The script, while peppered with slang and cultural references (“young bloods,” “twerks”), lacks nuance .
Audience & Takeaways
Uncle Drew targets basketball fans and viewers seeking escapism. Its themes of perseverance and camaraderie resonate, but mature content (language, sexual innuendo) makes it unsuitable for younger kids . While not groundbreaking, the film’s charm lies in its cast’s camaraderie and unapologetic silliness. As one IMDb reviewer noted, “It’s a fun movie for the whole family… if you don’t expect a masterpiece” .
Final Verdict
Uncle Drew scores points for humor and heart but misses the mark on originality. Think Space Jam meets The Bucket List, with less polish. For NBA nostalgists, it’s a three pointer; for others, a free throw that clangs the rim.