YMMV / Above the Rim

• Alternative Character Interpretation: Concerning just how remorseful Birdie feels about his circumstances. On the surface, he appears to be quite content with being a murderous drug dealer, but "Pain" and his conversations with his brother Thomas prove that he was forced to sell drugs to provide for his family after Thomas was arrested for Nutso's murder.
• Awesome Music: A soundtrack full of '90s classics provided by Death Row Records. "Pain" by Tupac Shakur is the leimotif of the film and a beautiful summary of his character, Birdie's dilemma.
• Retroactive Recognition: This was Wood Harris' first acting role.
• Unintentionally Unsympathetic: Some viewers have pointed out that despite Ms. Watson's insistence that she can never make it to Kyle's games thanks to work, she finally shows up as part of a date with Sheppard, who Kyle has made apparent he doesn't like. While she has set aside time to take Kyle out to dinner beforehand, it does feel a bit messed up how the only time she actually comes to one of his games is when it's on a date with a man Kyle doesn't approve of.