You are here:

Phi Slama Jama

Name: Phi Slama Jama
Director: Chip Rives
Released: 2016
Duration: 90 min

Representation Score

2.6/10

Limited

2016

TV-G

Director

Chip Rives

Runtime

90 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Phi Slama Jama effectively demonstrates how diverse identities can challenge established cultural norms. By featuring a multi-ethnic team, the film highlights a significant shift from the demographic standards of 1980s college sports. However, the documentary remains confined within traditional masculine themes, lacking representation of gender and LGBTQ+ identities typically found in historical sports media. The film's strength lies in its portrayal of racial and ethnic diversity, offering a fresh perspective on the evolving cultural dynamics of the time.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Phi Slama Jama have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The documentary does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or stories about non-straight identities.

How does Phi Slama Jama portray gender?

Limited

The story focuses solely on a male athletic team and does not feature any female characters in leadership positions.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Phi Slama Jama?

Excellent

The film showcases a multi-ethnic team that challenges the predominantly white sports landscape of the 1980s. Hakeem Olajuwon's Nigerian background stands out as a notable exception to typical demographics.

How does Phi Slama Jama represent religion and culture?

Good

The movie examines the pressures faced by athletes while achieving fame. It goes beyond just celebrating success by delving into the complexities of being a star.

Does Phi Slama Jama include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not focus on physical or neurological disabilities in its storyline.

Present on Screen

Highlights a multi-ethnic team that challenges the Anglo-centric sports landscape.
Features significant representation of international backgrounds, particularly Nigerian heritage.
Offers a transformative view of the changing cultural dynamics of the 1980s.

Limited or Absent

Does not provide female characters in leadership roles.
Lacks LGBTQ+ characters or narratives.
Does not address physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Winning is never a slam dunk. They were the most popular fraternity on the campus of college basketball in the early 1980's. Led by a Nigerian soccer player named Hakeem Olajuwon and a lightly recruited hometown kid named Clyde Drexler, the University of Houston Cougars not only electrified the NCAA Final Four with three straight appearances (1982-84), but they also helped transform the game itself. Director Chip Rives brings back the high-flying circus act under ringmaster Guy V. Lewis and spins a tale of true greatness and crushing heartbreak.

How are these scores produced? →