“White Men Can’t Jump” Early Reviews Revealed
20th Century Studios’ next film release is “White Men Can’t Jump”, which celebrates the streetball hustling culture of Los Angeles. Sinqua Walls stars as Kamal, once a promising player who derailed his future in the sport, and multi-platinum rap superstar Jack Harlow makes his movie debut as Jeremy, a former star of the game whose injuries stalled his own career. Juggling tenuous relationships, financial pressures and serious internal struggles, the two ballers—opposites who are seemingly miles apart—find they might have more in common than they imagined possible.
Following the film’s premiere in Hollywood, the social media reaction embargo has been lifted, and critics have been able to share their first thoughts on the film. Here’s my initial thoughts on the film:
#WhiteMenCantJump is the latest remake from 20th Studios. It's been updated for the 21st century. There are some fun moments in the film. But overall, it's ok, but I thought it missed the shot! The film arrives on #hulu #starplus & #disneyplus on 19th May. pic.twitter.com/inQPfsLOyR
— What’s On Disney Plus (@disneyplusnews) May 12, 2023
Here are some other critics’ early thoughts on the film:
White Men Can't Jump takes a classic film and perfectly updates it for 2023. Fans of the original will love what was done here. For those who haven't seen it, don't worry, you don't need to. Jack Harlow and Sinqua Walls deliver a lot of great comedic moments. #WhiteMenCantJump pic.twitter.com/YVvtyZQHg0
— Tessa Smith – Mama's Geeky (@MamasGeeky) May 12, 2023
Wow, @CALMATIC’s #WhiteMenCantJump is one of the better & stronger non-comic book movie, non-horror films we are getting this year.@SinquaWalls and @jackharlow both live up to the bromantic chemistry that @WoodyHarrelson and @wesleysnipes had, yet they make it their own.
(1/3) pic.twitter.com/IZQMfsTTxC
— John Daniel (@fromdusktiljuan) May 12, 2023
Nothing beats the original #WhiteMenCantJump, but this remake is actually surprising. It demonstrates that it's possible to take a classic and create something fresh while still maintaining its own unique identity. It’s not a slam dunk but still worth 2 points. pic.twitter.com/6pdRbKDu6k
— Kit Stone (@bykitstone) May 12, 2023
The #WhiteMenCantJump remake doesn't have the same heart as the 1992 original but does have some good performances and enjoyable moments from @SinquaWalls and @jackharlow.
— EyeCrave.Net | Keeping an EYE on Movies (@EyeCraveNet) May 12, 2023
#WhiteMenCantJump was one of the biggest surprises of the year for me. Jack Harlow and Sinqua Walls had awesome chemistry to make this remake worth the watch. It was funny, wholesome and heartfelt. Harlow has such a natural charisma and Walls shows his range. Loved this! pic.twitter.com/HjxKPuOzOr
— manda (@amxndareviews) May 12, 2023
#WhiteMenCantJump hits nothing but net. Kenya Barris and Doug Hall wisely choose to make the film it's own while paying homage to the OG. Jack Harlow's charisma and comedy tied with Sinqua Walls was a match made in heaven. I loved this—the biggest surprise of the year. pic.twitter.com/RvSl5OnokP
— Ricky Vàlero (@rickyvalero_) May 12, 2023
Now that it's halftime, I'm here to tell y'all that #WhiteMenCantJump is actually REALLY good. I enjoyed the hell out of it. Jack Harlow can act, Teyana Taylor 🤌🏾, and Sinqua Walls gives a fire performance. Story has some tweaks, it's a true surprise!
— Captain Insano (@rascalfkennedy1) May 12, 2023
WHITE MEN CAN'T JUMP remake was actually enjoyable.
It couldn't replace Woody/Snipes but the Harlow/Sinqua tandem had its charms.
The racial jokes were funny, the basketball scenes were exciting & the late great Lance Reddick gave a heart-wrenching performance#WhiteMenCantJump pic.twitter.com/auKWSAQMIM— Rama's Screen (@RamasScreen) May 12, 2023
#WhiteMenCantJump is, unfortunately, an air-ball of reboot, missing most of the charm and all of the chemistry of the '92 original. The performances and dialogue are nearly unanimously bland. As far as reboots go, this one is a miss. pic.twitter.com/DiKD4B4C43
— Joshua Ryan (@MrMovieGuy86) May 12, 2023
“White Men Can’t Jump” has been directed by Calmatic and also stars Teyana Taylor, Laura Harrier, Vince Staples, Myles Bullock and Lance Reddick. The film is written by Kenya Barris and Doug Hall. “White Men Can’t Jump” is produced by Kenya Barris and Paul Hall; it’s executive produced by Blake Griffin, Ryan Kalil, Noah Weinstein, Calmatic, Doug Hall, E. Brian Dobbins and James Powers.
This new film arrives on May 19th, 2023, exclusively on Hulu in the U.S., Star+ in Latin America, and Disney+ under the Star banner in all other territories.
Are you looking forward to the release of “White Men Can’t Jump”? Let us know on social media!