As a lifelong hoops enthusiast and a connoisseur of sports documentaries, I must say that “Starting 5” left me feeling like a kid who got a shiny new toy for Christmas but found it was missing some essential parts. The series, while offering an intimate look into the lives of NBA stars, fails to deliver on the depth and vulnerability that makes great storytelling.
In the fourth installment of “Starting 5,” the Netflix series following the 2023-2024 NBA season via several key players, LeBron James playfully vents after the game by joking with his wife, Savannah. “Enough!” she replies, giggling. “We’re being recorded!
As I point toward my trusted companion, a gleam of pride in my eyes, I affirm, “Indeed, this is my camera.” It’s not just a device; it’s an extension of my creative soul, carefully chosen and meticulously used to capture the world as I see it. Every frame is a testament to its value, and only the best will make the final cut.
James’ production company, Uninterrupted, is the main financier for the basketball show “Starting 5,” that contrasts the influential figure of the Los Angeles Lakers with four competitors: Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat, Jayson Tatum from the Boston Celtics, Anthony Edwards from the Minnesota Timberwolves, and Domantas Sabonis from the Sacramento Kings. For this ten-episode series, Uninterrupted collaborated with two other production companies linked to public figures: Omaha Productions, the banner of retired NFL quarterback Peyton Manning, and Higher Ground, the entertainment company co-founded by Barack and Michelle Obama.
James’ casual remark highlights the balancing act inherent in shows like “Starting 5,” where celebrities have significant influence over their own portrayal by the audience. This tendency is notably prevalent in music, with many streaming platforms featuring sanitized stories of artists such as Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish. Sports aren’t exempt from this trend either; Michael Jordan’s Jump 23 played a role in “The Last Dance,” ESPN’s tribute to the greatness of…Michael Jordan. While having editorial control offers a peek into the lives of these players, it also means that the insights gained may not provide genuine insight or vulnerability.
The ‘Starting 5′ documentary presents an ordinary overview of extraordinary individuals, the NBA’s elite. The excitement of encountering the players’ families and peeking into their homes fades as we’re served generic, predictable glimpses into their lives. They express love for their families, passion for victory, and exhibit endearing idiosyncrasies. However, similar insights can be gleaned from their social media platforms, which are already saturated with the sport’s coverage in America, making this documentary less unique.
Moving forward in the sports realm, Netflix has achieved victories by showcasing backstage glimpses into athletes’ routines, such as “Formula 1: Drive to Survive” and its related series. These productions have thrived due to their unique advantages over “Starting 5.” For instance, “Drive to Survive” captivated American audiences by introducing them to a previously unknown racing sport, using its characters as an entry point into the circuit. The tennis version, “Break Point,” albeit canceled after two seasons, had a clear storyline (rising stars aiming to fill the shoes of retiring legends like Serena Williams and Roger Federer) and a broader pool of competitors. In the world of golf, “Big Swing” was fortunate enough to debut at an opportune moment: the explosive emergence of LIV Golf, a newcomer with Saudi funding challenging the PGA.
The opening five minutes of this piece lack a compelling overarching narrative. Following the revolutionary era of player empowerment symbolized by James and the tumultuous events of 2020, which included a pandemic-induced “bubble” season and widespread protests against police brutality, the NBA has been relatively calm lately. Regardless of whether the season’s result is already known (Taytum guides the Celtics to their first championship in 16 years), the opening segment lacks tension or relevance. It’s intriguing to see how filmmakers attempt to create suspense from the NBA Cup, a new in-season tournament that appears to be a clear ratings grab at a traditionally slow period of the basketball season.
The players themselves carry the responsibility and ability to hold our interest. The team’s common thread, if there is one, revolves around surpassing James, now a legendary figure approaching 40. Interestingly, Uninterrupted portrays his aging only to emphasize that he remains at the peak of his abilities. However, it’s Butler, another veteran and eccentric character, who stands out with his unique personality – sporting an emo hairstyle as a joke and discussing dominoes passionately. The younger players don’t have enough moments to fully develop their storylines: that Edwards, a charismatic individual, needs more growth time, or that Sabonis, the son of Lithuanian player Arvydas, often gets overlooked. Tatum is inherently reserved, a trait unimportant to his basketball skills but contradictory to providing emotional depth on screen.
As the “Starting 5” advances from Christmas, the All-Star game, and eventually into the playoffs, there’s a lack of a clear building momentum to give shape to the star-studded team. The series starts with clips of James dressing up as Beetlejuice for Halloween, reciting Michael Keaton’s monologues word for word. While this clip is endearing, it becomes apparent that such content is essentially all that “Starting 5” has to present: a facsimile of closeness, devoid of any genuine danger or challenge.
All 10 episodes of “Starting 5” are now streaming on Netflix.
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2024-10-09 17:16