Amateur Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A kid who can’t read numbers becomes a basketball prodigy and then exposes corruption, only to maybe go pro anyway; numbers are still a mystery though.

🍿 Amateur: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Terron’s Rise

Terron Forte, a prodigious young basketball player, faces challenges on and off the court. He struggles with dyscalculia, making it difficult to understand numbers, including the scoreboard. Despite this, his raw talent and dedication propel him to a prestigious private school with a top-tier basketball program.

The Price of Success

As Terron integrates into his new team, he discovers the darker side of competitive youth sports. He learns about the financial incentives and pressures placed on young athletes. His father, a former football player, grapples with his own past injuries, adding another layer of complexity to Terron’s journey.

Betrayal and Discovery

Terron’s world is shaken when he uncovers the truth behind his recruitment. He discovers that his coach and father made a deal that benefitted them financially, raising questions about the integrity of the program. This betrayal forces Terron to confront the exploitation inherent in youth sports.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Terron Forte (Michael Rainey Jr.): A gifted young basketball player who faces challenges on and off the court as he pursues his dream.
• Nia (Sharon Leal): Terron’s mother, who supports his basketball aspirations while navigating her own struggles.
• Vince (Brian White): Terron’s father, a former athlete whose past impacts Terron’s present and future.
• Coach Gaines (Josh Charles): The basketball coach who recruits Terron, but may have ulterior motives.
• Stevion (Tekola Cornetet): A teammate and friend of Terron’s who navigates the competitive world of high school basketball.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Terron Forte: “Your family live in the house too Coach?” – Terron asks this question, highlighting the close, almost familial dynamic expected within the team and with the coach.
• Coach Gaines: “Nah, I’m just crashing with the team for a while. You know, it’s tough being a coach’s wife, especially when you have 12 boys” – Coach’s response jokingly emphasizes the all-consuming nature of his role and the dedication it requires.
• Terron Forte: “Damn, You been busy coach… oh, oh, you talking about us.” – Terron’s humorous reply adds a bit of levity, reflecting the team’s camaraderie despite the serious circumstances.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 Amateur Reviews

Personal Review

I found ‘Amateur’ to be a mixed bag. The basketball scenes were exciting, and I felt for Terron, the main character. His struggles with school really hit home. But the ending felt rushed. I wish they’d explored more of the consequences of his actions. Still, it made me think about the pressure young athletes face, especially with all the money involved.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of sports dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in social commentary on youth sports”
  • “Those who appreciate coming-of-age stories with complex themes”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Brief strong language”
  • “Themes of corruption and exploitation”
  • “Discussion of parental pressure on young athletes”

Professional Reviews

• CinemaNerdz: “A compelling look at the underbelly of youth basketball, ‘Amateur’ explores the pressures and compromises faced by young athletes and their families. While the narrative occasionally stumbles, the performances are strong enough to keep you invested.
• Firstshowing.net: “While ‘Amateur’ tackles relevant issues of exploitation in sports, it often feels heavy-handed. The film doesn’t shy away from showing the dark side of chasing a dream, but the overall execution lacks subtlety.

Audience Reactions

Great message about working in academics.: Believable story, great for basketball fans.

The ending was anticlimactic.: Great acting

A very realistic telling of the story.: captures players reaching the self-actualized NBA aspirations.

Overall Consensus: ‘Amateur’ presents a compelling, though flawed, look into the world of youth basketball, touching on themes of corruption and the pressure to succeed. While some viewers find the ending rushed and the execution uneven, many appreciate its realism and the performances of the young cast.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on director Ryan Koo’s short film of the same name, allowing him to expand on the themes and characters he initially created.”
• “Basketball game scenes were filmed at Denver South High School in Denver, CO, adding a layer of authenticity to the setting.”

🖥️ How to Watch Amateur?

As of October 2024, ‘Amateur’ is available for streaming on Netflix. Check your local Netflix library as availability may vary by region. You can also find it available to rent or purchase on platforms like Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Amazon Prime Video. Check these platforms for the most up-to-date pricing and availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Amateur, you might like these similar films:

• He Got Game (1998): Explores the pressures and corruption surrounding young basketball prodigies, similar to ‘Amateur’.
• Coach Carter (2005): Focuses on the importance of academics alongside basketball, echoing the themes of ‘Amateur’.
• High Flying Bird (2019): A more modern take on the business side of basketball and player empowerment, similar in its approach to exposing the system.

🛒 Amateur Related Products

• Spalding NBA Zi/O Excel Outdoor Basketball: Experience the game like Terron Forte with this basketball, designed for superior grip and durability. Bring home the court feel.
• Men’s Basketball Shorts: High performance basketball shorts that offer breathability and full range of motion. Perfect for the basketball court.
• NBA 2K24: Experience realistic NBA gameplay with stunning graphics and player animations. Build your own dynasty and compete against the best.
• Basketball Poster Prints: Get high-quality prints featuring legendary players and inspirational quotes. Perfect for any basketball fan’s room or gym.

🎧 Soundtrack

Amateur features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Take Off” – performed by SnS feat. Scootie

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

What Is The True Meaning of the Room? | Video Essay

Ever wondered why ‘The Room’ is so bad it’s good? This video essay breaks down the film’s bizarre genius and tries to make sense of Tommy Wiseau’s masterpiece (or disasterpiece, depending on how you look at it!). You HAVE to see this.

Amateur Expert Film Reviewer Analyses THAT Shower Scene From Psycho | Prime Video

Christopher Bliss is back at it, this time with the shower scene from psycho! Check out his hilarious view on this famous scene, he’s got a few interesting points!

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