White Men Can't Jump (1992)
This week on Born to Watch, we lace up our Asics, slap on a second singlet, and head to the sun-soaked courts of Venice Beach as we rewind to 1992 with our White Men Can't Jump Review, a film that might be the most gloriously nineties thing we've ever reviewed. From hypercolor hats to bike shorts over trackies, this movie is a time capsule of an era when trash talk was an art form and hustling was a full-time job.
Whitey and G Man go deep on this cult classic, remembering their own basketball glory days and how this film shaped their approach to trash talk on and off the court. More than just a sports movie, White Men Can’t Jump is a gritty, witty, and surprisingly layered look at addiction, betrayal, and self-destruction, with a side of slam dunks and “yo mama” jokes.
Woody Harrelson’s Billy Hoyle is the kind of guy who can’t get out of his own way, while Wesley Snipes’ Sidney Deane has charm, ambition, and just enough hustle to burn his own mates. Together, they’re magic on the court, but it’s off the court where their flaws truly shine. Gloria, played by Rosie Perez, may be one of the most annoying characters in cinematic history, but she’s also a vital part of the film’s emotional punch, and maybe, just maybe, part of Billy’s downfall.
The boys ask the big questions: Is this actually a comedy? Or is it a cleverly disguised tragedy about two men who can't get out of their own way? Is Gloria the real villain? And why does Sidney wear a cycling cap to play basketball? There are critical breakdowns of the basketball action (which holds up surprisingly well), deep dives into the fashion, and stories of real-life trash talk glory from the Narrabeen Fitness Camp days.
We cover everything from the impeccable chemistry between Harrelson and Snipes to the deeper themes that still resonate today. And yes, we’ve got the stats: box office, critical reception, director Ron Shelton’s sporting film pedigree, and why this movie may be more about green than black or white.
So grab your Gatorade, stretch out like Billy on the sideline, and settle in for a Born to Watch deep cut that’ll take you back to a simpler time—when all you needed was a ball, a dream, and someone to hustle.
Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts!
Join the conversation:
Is Billy Hoyle the most frustrating character in sports movie history?
Was Gloria's Jeopardy obsession genius or just plain annoying?
Who had the better game—Billy or Sydney?
Please drop us a voicemail at BornToWatch.com.au and be part of the show!
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