He Got Game (1998)

 

Release date: May 1, 1998

Director: Spike Lee

Writer: Spike Lee

Starring: Denzel Washington, Ray Allen

Estimated budget: $25 million

U.S. Box office: $21.5 million

 

Jake Shuttleworth (Denzel Washington) has spent the last six years in prison after accidentally killing his wife during a violent domestic dispute, leaving his son, star basketball prospect Jesus Shuttleworth (Ray Allen), to fend for himself. One day, the prison warden (Ned Beatty) approaches Jake with an unusual offer: He'll be given a week of parole to convince Jesus to attend the governor's alma mater, with the promise of a shortened sentence if he succeeds.