Film
What's on at the cinema plus reviews of the latest movie and DVD releases
Bookmark this pageBlue Chips (1994)
Director: William Friedkin
Movie review
From Time Out Film Guide
This hard-hitting college basketball drama (unreleased in UK cinemas) marks a notable return to form for William Friedkin. The movie has parallels with the documentary Hoop Dreams: both use the fate of promising young players to criticise capitalist structures. Heading an exceptionally strong cast, Nolte is magnificent as the team coach Pete Bell: a wounded, angry bear of a man. He loves the game, but under pressure from the college authorities to produce a winning team, he's tempted to bend the rules, to bribe three youngsters to sign for Western Uni. The pithy script is by Ron (White Men Can't Jump) Shelton, and Friedkin gets in so close to the games you feel on court yourself. Highly recommended.Author: TCh
Cast & crew
Director: William Friedkin
Producer: Michelle Rappaport
Cast: Nick Nolte, Mary McDonnell, JT Walsh, Shaquille O'Neal, Alfre Woodard, Ed O'Neill, Bob Cousy, Anfernee 'Penny' Hardaway, Matt Nover, Larry Bird, Lou Gossett Jr full cast
Duration: 101 mins
Most popular on this site
Top Stories
Stephen Poliakoff discusses 'Glorious 39'
Stephen Poliakoff’s ‘Glorious 39’ is his first film for cinema since ‘Food of Love’ in 1997. Dave Calhoun met him
Is 'Paranormal Activity' the new 'Blair Witch'?
How does a film go from DIY experiment to box-office smash? 'Paranormal Activity' director Oren Peli explains
Steven Soderbergh on 'The Informant!' and 'The Girlfriend Experience'
We talk to Steven Soderbergh about his two forthcoming films: one featuring a porn star, the other a chubby Matt Damon
A gateway to all things 'New Moon'
In anticipation of 'The Twilight Saga: New Moon', Time Out is offering the chance to pick up a limited edition pack with three exclusive magazines and a free poster.
London Children's Film Festival
Read our exclusive reviews of films playing at the 2009 London Children’s Film Festival
The films that deserve a TV spin-off
With Roland Emmerich suggesting he'd like to make a '2012' TV spin-off, we propose some more movie-to-TV serialisations
The Coen brothers discuss 'A Serious Man'
Masters of contrary comedy, Joel and Ethan Coen have struck gold again with their latest, ‘A Serious Man’
Michael Haneke discusses 'The White Ribbon'
Dave Calhoun met with Michael Haneke in Munich to mull over the details of his Palme d'Or winner, 'The White Ribbon'
Ten inspirations behind 'Avatar'?
Time Out ponders the influences behind James Cameron's anticipated space-opera on the basis of the trailer
Time Out's 50 greatest animated films with commentary by Terry Gilliam
In celebration of the release of Pixar's 'Up' and Wes Anderson's 'Fantastic Mr Fox', read our rundown of fifty classic feature length animations
What do you think?
Post your review now