Where to watch Celtic Pride
1 1/2 Stars
The mid-nineties saw the NBA peak in terms of player recognition and audience viewership. This translated to a record number of basketball- centric movies. From 1992-1998, twelve films were released that dealt with the sports in genres as varied as urban drama, social commentary documentary, and super-natural comedy. In the middle of the pack rests, Celtic Pride, a rather lazy and bland studio release that surprisingly sprang from the (typically fertile) minds of writers Colin Quinn and Judd Apatow.
Mike (Daniel Stern) and Jimmy (Dan Aykroyd) are fanatical about their favorite team, the Boston Celtics. When the Celtics lose a game in the NBA finals, taken down by the hot-hand of superstar Lewis Scott (Damon Wayans), they decide to kidnap the all-star for the final game.
Director Tom DeCerchio and his DP Oliver Wood have lit and staged the movie at the level of a sitcom. Take for instance a missed opportunity for humor when Aykroyd’s landlord comes over unannounced and finds Scott in constrains. The small set doesn’t allow for any physical humor and the relaxed line-readings by its two listless stars doesn’t mask the other shortcomings. Not a total brick, but definitely a missed shot.
Director: Tom DeCerchio
Stars: Damon Wayans, Daniel Stern, Dan Aykroyd