Take away the mediocre acting and the underdeveloped plot and "Crossover" probably would have played out better had it just been on "AND1 Mix Tape."
Director Preston A. Whitmore ("The Walking Dead"), better known for his sitcom screenwriting, takes another stab at directing. His past film work has not been well received within the industry, and "Crossover" is not likely to mark the pinnacle of his career either.
"Crossover" takes a look at two talented basketball players who are beginning to veer onto different paths in life. Noah Cruise, played by Wesley Jonathan ("Roll Bounce"), is a basketball player with natural talent who dreams of going to UCLA on a full basketball scholarship to become a doctor. However, former sports agent Vaughn (Wayne Brady, "The Wayne Brady Show") tries to lure him away with promises of an NBA contract.
Noah's best friend Tech (Anthony Mackie, "Freedomland") is also a great player, but has other dreams. Tech's focus is to get his GED and become an underground street ball legend. In order to do this he must defeat his rival, Jewelz, played by Philip Champion, better known as Hot Sauce from the "AND1 Mix Tape" series.
Throughout the movie the characters find themselves making important life decisions. Complications arise when Noah and Tech fall for Vanessa (Alecia J Fears, "MVP") and Eboni (Eva Pigford from"America's Next Top Model").
The two men take a trip to California and bring the girls with them. Once they arrive, the new possibilities make them hunger for fame and fortune. However, it doesn't take long before the boys are rudely awakened by the reality of the East Coast, and they have to rethink their plans.
Though the storyline offers a very real look at the dilemmas many young men face today, the actors fail to draw the audience in, leaving no opportunity for identifying and sympathizing with the characters. Perhaps it was the result of poor casting, or maybe it was simply bad acting. Even though a mix of seasoned actors and fresh faces make up the cast, it seems as though they all had a hard time making the characters their own.
Despite the meager acting and foreseeable plot, "Crossover" does have some redeeming qualities. Phillip Champion, a street ball legend in real life, uses signature moves such as the Hypnotizer, the Boomerang, the Hurricane and the Flintstone Shuffle to provide some relief from the shallow nature of the plot.
Surprisingly Wayne Brady, who is yet to be recognized as a legitimate actor, does a great job of portraying the fast-talking, underhanded Vaughn. Brady's clean-cut image is severely, albeit temporarily, altered.
The movie also emphasizes the importance of an education, which helps to justify its otherwise lame storyline. It's a message that needs to be heard not only by the target audience (younger teens), but by all.
Audience members already into basketball may appreciate the hustle of the pickup games and the skilled moves, but if you are looking for a movie with a well-developed plot and dynamic characters, look elsewhere.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
