The Fab Five: Friendship and Determination in Shooting Stars

Before I get into my review, I have a few confessions. I love a good Biopic, and Shooting Stars was phenomenal! I knew very little about LeBron James; I have always loved his beautiful family and how he carries himself, but that is about it. I also do not watch Basketball, but I am officially a fan after watching Shooting Stars!

Shooting Stars tells the story of LeBron James and The Fab 5, showing the power of friendship and community. The Fab Five includes LeBron James (Marquis Cook), Dru Joyce III (Caleb McLaughlin), Sian Cotton (Khalil Everage), Willie McGee (Avery S. Willis JR), and Rome Travis (Sterling Henderson)

“It’s not how you start the game; it’s how you finish the game.”

The movie shows how one father, Coach Dru Joyce (Wood Harris), puts together a group of young boys and how their love of basketball blossoms, but most importantly, their love and respect for each other. Coach Dru becomes like a father figure to all the boys and the one person who has never left them. When Lil Dru faces the reality of going to the neighborhood high school undervaluing his basketball skills because of his size, he finds an alternative option for, at the time, the fab four. We watch the four attend St. Vincent-St. Mary High School and play Basketball with a new coach; that is no joke! They’re all determined to make it to the NBA and want to play Basketball together as long as possible. While at St.Vincent- St.Mary High School, Romeo is inducted into the Fab Four, transforming into the Fab Five and a bond that will last a lifetime.

Overwhelmingly throughout the movie, a lesson I took away is determination and self-belief, with the power to advocate for yourself will open many doors! I love how the film highlights all the different people who had a hand in their success and how it takes a village to raise a child. The Fab Five grow and mature while outside factors strain their relationship. Still, ultimately they remember the love of playing with one another over everything else.

I enjoyed Shooting Stars and the many life lessons the movie gives. I recommend this movie to everyone, especially young people about to enter the world. Knowing where you come from and all the people helping you on your journey through life is essential. It is important to remain humble, but know you have the power within you to make all your dreams come true.

I hope you all watch Shooting Stars streaming on Peacock on June 2, 2023!! Let me know me to watch y’all think. What was y’all favorite part and lesson you took away from the film?