Common Sense Media Review
By Brian Costello , based on child development research. How do we rate?
age 14+
Provocative sports movie on amateur athletics; cursing.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
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Language
a lot
Profanity frequently used: "f--k," the "N" word, "s--t," "goddamn," "sucks," "t-tties," "douche bag." Middle finger gesture, masturbation hand gesture.
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Violence & Scariness
very little
Some bullying and hazing as Terron joins a college prep team while still an 8th grader, surrounded by much older teammates.
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See AlsoAmateur (2018) | Rotten TomatoesGet started
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Products & Purchases
very little
Talk of endorsem*nt deals. A recruiter for a college prep school gives Terron a new smartphone.
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Drinking, Drugs & Smoking
very little
Basketball coach shown drinking a beer at his house.
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Positive Role Models
some
Terron, an immensely talented basketball player at 14, keeps his integrity in the face of questionable ethics from his father as well as his coach, the hazing of jealous teammates, and the pressure to win on the court. When he makes mistakes, he owns up to them, and tries to find ways to make it right.
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Positive Messages
very little
Movie explores themes such as the oversized influence of money and endorsem*nts in sports, whether or not student athletes should be paid, especially when talented "star" athletes help bring in millions of dollars to their school and school's athletic programs, and the long-term consequences of concussions in sports.
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Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Amateur is a 2018 drama in which a 14-year-old basketball star joins an elite college prep school and is thrust into the ethical concerns swirling around amateur athletics. There's frequent profanity, including the "N" word and "f--k." Some bullying and hazing occurs, as the lead character, still in 8th grade, has joined a team with older players. The movie uses the story to explore relevant themes in contemporary sports, such as whether or not student athletes should be paid, especially when their family is struggling to make ends meet while the school and athletic program make millions of dollars off of their talents. The father of the lead character also struggles with his mental and emotional well-being due to the concussions he received as an athlete in his younger years. Overall, the movie is adept at combining enough sports action with this message so it doesn't come off as preachy, and should inspire discussion among families with kids who play sports. To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails.
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Amateur
Parent and Kid Reviews
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- Parents say (1)
- Kids say (5)
age 11+
Based on 1 parent review
MrBobby Adult
May 13, 2018
age 11+
Brilliant
has a few swear words but nothing to bad
Rate movie
See all 1 parent review
What's the Story?
Terron (Michael Rainey Jr.) is an AMATEUR basketball phenom. While still in 8th grade, he's receiving offers to join elite college prep schools where many basketball stars got their start before turning pro. He meets Coach Gaines (Josh Charles), who convinces Terron and his family to join his program at Liberty Prep. Besides learning how to step up his game in his new and more competitive environment, Terron learns that his education doesn't seem to be a priority to anyone at his new school, and with his rising stardom comes questionable ethical dealings with his recruiter, who gives him a free smartphone. He's also told that "the brand" is more important than any team, because brands are looking for long-term investments and "business relationships" with players, even players as young as Terron. As the pressures increase, they only magnify when Terron's father joins the team as an assistant coach. When Terron overhears and then records Coach Gaines revealing the extent of the program's questionable practices to his father, it seems that Terron's athletic ambitions have collapsed, until he comes up with a way to both redeem Coach Gaines and take his life in basketball in a new direction.
Is It Any Good?
Our review:
Parents say (1):
Kids say (5):
This movie is like a fictionalized version of the acclaimed 30 for 30 series on ESPN. Through the story of a young basketball prodigy, the movie explores many of the debates surrounding amateur collegiate sports. Should amateur athletes be paid, especially those athletes whose families are struggling to make ends meet as the college and athletic program they represent rake in millions on their talent? How young is too young to "brand" athletes with endorsem*nt deals? Should young athletes representing their school be given easier course loads since they need more time to practice if the school wants to win?
Amateur addresses these concerns while also including the action and inherent drama, excitement, and fun that cause people to follow sports of all kinds in the first place. While there are moments in the story that feel a little too forced and unnatural, the acting, action, and humor keep the audience fully engaged. And there's a believability to Terron as he tries to balance all these demands -- some of a more personal nature, such as a learning disability, as well as the public challenges of being a prodigious basketball talent -- that reveals a deep understanding of character growth and development.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about sports movies. How does Amateur compare to other sports movies?
Do you think student athletes should be paid? Why or why not?
Did the movie lead you to rethink your opinions on the topics it addressed? Why or why not?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: April 6, 2018
- Cast: Michael Rainey Jr., Josh Charles, Brian White
- Director: Ryan Koo
- Inclusion Information: Black actors
- Studio: Netflix
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Sports and Martial Arts, Great Boy Role Models, High School
- Character Strengths: Integrity
- Run time: 96 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: February 18, 2023
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Amateur
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