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Directed By
Scott Kalvert
Written By:
Bryan Goluboff
Cast:
Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Wahlberg, Patrick McGaw, James Madio, Bruno Kirby, Ernie Hudson, Lorraine Bracco, Juliette Lewis, Josh Mostel, Michael Rapaport, Michael Imperioli, James Dennis Carroll
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The Basketball Diaries (1995)
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Movie Review by Justin 
July 12th, 2006
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The Death of our Dreams
This emotionally devastating film is important for two basic reasons. First, it heralded the arrival of Leonardo DiCaprio as a sheer acting force. If you doubt his talent and haven't seen this movie, it's enough to convert you. Secondly, it is the best anti-drug movie ever. Plain and simple. What's more, I doubt there is a lecture, book, song, or any other media sample that makes a more vigorously suggestive case for the dangers and consequences of drug abuse. Directed by Scott Kalvert with an unflinching eye, no matter how raw or sickening the content becomes, the movie journeys with Jim Carroll as he descends from aspiring basketball star to absolute street junkie, where his life has become about chasing unattainable pleasures and every single point of value he ever knew has been dissolved. It's a unique film in that it's affecting not only in a singular way, but because it speaks to us in broader terms; what happened to Carroll could happen to each and every one of us. The makers treat his story as specific while maintaining plenty of everyman Truth. This is not the sort of biopic that makes you feel for some interesting guy who you didn't know much about before you watched the movie. In many ways, the subject of this movie is every one of us. It will challenge you, frighten you, shake you deep within your soul. It will very likely infuriate you, but that's often the case when faced with such brutal, naked honesty. Few movies acheive the sort of emotional power as this. Even fewer pull so few punches in the process. In its bones, there lies heaps of spiritual wisdom, and a sadness of eternal proportions. If art can in fact change lives, this is a piece to keep on display in high school classrooms.
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 | Eric Somer
Jul 12, 2006 9:52 PM
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| Agreed. I remember being surprised that Wahlberg could get such a part, not knowing what was to come with Boogie Nights. |
 | Joe
Jul 13, 2006 8:20 PM
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| Ah yes, DiCraprio...I mean DiCaprio, did very well in this movie. Then there was Titanic...I still refuse to see that movie even though it's the highest grossing movie of all time (grr). Didn't do too bad in Aviator though. Other than that, he's just 'eh'. Awesome review, makes me wanna buy this movie! |
 | Rodney
Jul 18, 2006 3:07 PM
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| I still have yet to watch this film. I'm sure I'll get around to it. DiCaprio should of beaten Jamie Foxx for best actor in Aviator. He damn well deserved it. |
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