He's a basketball player, and at the time of the film, he was a Milwaukee Buck. How/why did he even end up being able to film this thing? I know it was shot in under a month, but still. Kind of random selection for the role isn't it?
The Dagger!
I think he was able to make time for it, but I don't think the selection was all that random.
1) He was a star in college and a top five pick so people knew who he was.
2) Spike probably wanted someone who was known, but not an over-the-top superstar, but someone who might one day become a star (which has panned out. Ray Allen is a 9 time all-star)
3) Ray has a youthful look so playing someone who's a senior in high school wasn't a stretch
4) It's been said in real life that Ray is a genuine, kind fellow and I think that comes across in the Jesus Shuttlesworth character. His demeanor lends credibility to his character
Overall, I think Ray Allen really saved this movie. I know Denzel is the star, but I think Ray steals scenes and I'm much more interested in his journey than that of his fathers.
There was talk of a sequel at some point, but it looks like that won't happen.
:-(
He got game was filmed in 23 days.
lol at Allen saved this movie, who can you even compare his mediocre performance to the amazing acting by Denzel Washington, he accomplished what most can't and that is a display of realism of emotions, his nuances and inflections is utterly breathtaking. His performance is astounding in the naturalistic side, he is the heart and soul of this movie.
while I don't think Allen and Washington should ever be compared at acting (that's just absurd) I do think that Allen may have saved this film to some degree. He may not have been oscar-caliber, but it is perhaps the greatest performance by an athlete turned actor. If Allen doesn't give that above-average performance the movie may not work.
Ray Allen did a solid job and Denzel is one of the greatest living actors. That's all.
Iverson might have have been great who is to say? I am just glad Spike wanted a true basketball player because it really does make a difference when it comes to the basketball scenes.
"You've Got to Keep Your Mind Wide Open" - AnnaSophia Robb
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You combine Denzel Washington's acting performance and Ray Allen's natural ability as a professional athlete, and you get a winning film.
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spike wanted a great ball player to play the role.
They mostly come out at night; mostly.
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Ray's facial resemblance to Denzel for one, since they're playing father and son.
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There's also the fact that Ray Allen is one of the smaller / shorter NBA players. That still means that he's very, very tall amongst regular folk, but not ridiculously so. Denzel could stand and walk by Allen and not look excessively small. That sort of detail is important for the camera, especially in a movie grounded in their father / son relationship.