Uncle Drew (2018) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
Uncle Drew (2018) is a sports comedy film that brings together basketball and humor in a delightful and unexpected way. Directed by Charles Stone III and starring NBA superstar Kyrie Irving in the titular role, the film is based on a popular Pepsi commercial series in which Irving plays an elderly street basketball legend. This comedic feature blends lighthearted laughs with high-energy basketball action, creating an enjoyable experience for fans of the sport and casual viewers alike.
In this review, we’ll explore the movie’s plot, performances, and what makes Uncle Drew stand out as a feel-good sports comedy. Additionally, we’ll guide you on where to stream Uncle Drew online in the U.S.
Plot Summary: A Legendary Comeback
The story centers on Dax Winslow (played by Lil Rel Howery), a passionate but down-on-his-luck streetball coach who has a history of failure. After losing his star player and team to his rival Mookie (Nick Kroll) just before the Rucker Classic tournament, Dax is desperate to find a way to salvage his reputation and win the prestigious streetball competition in Harlem.
That’s when Dax stumbles upon Uncle Drew (Kyrie Irving), a legendary streetball player from the 1960s who has been off the court for decades. Despite his age and seemingly fragile appearance, Uncle Drew still possesses remarkable basketball skills. Dax convinces Drew to come out of retirement and help him build a new team of seasoned, elder basketball legends to compete in the tournament.
The adventure begins as Drew and Dax travel across the country, reuniting Drew’s former teammates—Preacher (Chris Webber), Lights (Reggie Miller), Boots (Nate Robinson), and Big Fella (Shaquille O’Neal)—each of whom has their own hilarious quirks and challenges. Together, they form an unlikely team of old-timers with one goal: to win the Rucker Classic and show that age is just a number.
Kyrie Irving as Uncle Drew: A Fun Transformation
Kyrie Irving, known for his incredible skills on the basketball court, delivers a surprisingly convincing performance as the 70-year-old Uncle Drew. Thanks to impressive makeup and prosthetics, Irving looks and moves like an elderly man, while still showcasing the basketball talent that made him famous in the NBA. His portrayal of Drew is both funny and endearing, capturing the character’s old-school wisdom, love for the game, and swagger.
What makes Irving’s performance special is the way he embodies both the comedic and heartfelt aspects of Uncle Drew. While there are plenty of laughs—especially when Drew schools younger players on the court—there’s also a sense of nostalgia and respect for the history of the game. Irving’s comedic timing, coupled with his undeniable basketball skills, makes Uncle Drew a standout character.
The Star-Studded Cast of Basketball Legends
One of the major draws of Uncle Drew is the cast of basketball legends, each of whom plays a quirky, retired player from Drew’s old team:
- Shaquille O’Neal as Big Fella: Shaq brings his larger-than-life personality to the role of Drew’s former rival and teammate, who is now a martial arts instructor. His scenes are filled with physical comedy and humor, particularly when he and Drew clash over past grievances.
- Chris Webber as Preacher: Webber shines as the over-the-top, charismatic Preacher, who now leads a church congregation and hilariously attempts to balance his faith with his love for basketball.
- Reggie Miller as Lights: Miller, known for his sharpshooting ability in the NBA, plays the visually impaired Lights, whose love for the game hasn’t diminished despite his poor eyesight. His character delivers plenty of laughs while still contributing to the team’s success.
- Nate Robinson as Boots: Robinson portrays the wheelchair-bound Boots, who has lost his ability to walk. However, when Drew reunites with him, Boots finds the strength to return to the court in an unexpectedly touching moment.
Together, these basketball legends create a fun dynamic that combines comedy, camaraderie, and plenty of on-court action. Each player brings their unique skills and personalities to the team, making for a ragtag group of old-timers who still have the ability to ball with the best of them.
Lil Rel Howery as Dax: The Underdog Story
Lil Rel Howery, known for his breakout role in Get Out, plays Dax, the hapless coach trying to redeem himself through the Rucker Classic. Howery brings both humor and heart to the role, as Dax’s personal journey of overcoming self-doubt and insecurity is central to the story. His interactions with Uncle Drew and the rest of the team provide plenty of comedic moments, but also serve as the emotional backbone of the film.
Dax’s growth throughout the film—from a desperate coach with nothing to lose to a more confident and self-assured individual—is a key theme, making his story relatable for anyone who has ever struggled with setbacks or doubted their own potential.
Themes: Age, Friendship, and Love for the Game
Uncle Drew is more than just a comedy about basketball. The film explores themes of age, friendship, and the enduring passion for something you love. One of the central messages is that age is not a limitation—Drew and his team may be older, but their love for basketball and their skills on the court remain undiminished. The film celebrates the wisdom and experience that come with age, while also poking fun at the physical limitations that naturally come with getting older.
Friendship is another important theme, as Drew’s reunion with his old teammates brings out both old rivalries and deep bonds of camaraderie. The film emphasizes the importance of teamwork, loyalty, and the support of those who believe in you, no matter how unconventional they may be.
Of course, at the heart of the film is the love for basketball. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just a fan, Uncle Drew captures the joy and excitement of the game, making it a love letter to basketball and its cultural impact.
Where to Watch Uncle Drew (2018) Online in the USA
If you’re looking to stream Uncle Drew online, here are the platforms where you can rent, purchase, or stream the film in the U.S.:
1. Streaming Services (Subscription-Based)
- Hulu: Uncle Drew is available to stream on Hulu with a subscription. Hulu offers various plans starting at $7.99 per month with ads, or $14.99 per month for the ad-free option.
2. Rental and Purchase Options
- Amazon Prime Video: You can rent or purchase Uncle Drew on Amazon Prime Video. Rentals start at $3.99, and purchasing the film in HD costs around $14.99.
- Apple TV (iTunes): The film is available for rent on Apple TV at $3.99 or for purchase at $14.99.
- Google Play Movies: You can rent or buy Uncle Drew on Google Play Movies, with rental prices starting at $3.99 and purchase prices at $14.99.
- Vudu: On Vudu, you can rent Uncle Drew for $3.99 or purchase it for $14.99, making it accessible on multiple platforms.
- YouTube Movies: The movie can also be rented or purchased on YouTube Movies with similar pricing options of $3.99 for rentals and $14.99 for purchases.
Why You Should Watch Uncle Drew on Streaming Platforms
Streaming Uncle Drew is a convenient way to enjoy this fun, lighthearted sports comedy from the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re a basketball fan or just looking for a feel-good comedy, Uncle Drew offers a mix of laughs, heart, and impressive on-court action.
By streaming on platforms like Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, or Vudu, you can easily access the film in HD and enjoy the high-energy basketball scenes and hilarious performances from both the seasoned actors and basketball legends alike.
Conclusion: A Fun and Uplifting Sports Comedy
Uncle Drew (2018) is a delightful blend of sports, comedy, and heart, with a message that resonates far beyond the basketball court. Kyrie Irving’s transformation into the wise and humorous Uncle Drew is both entertaining and surprisingly touching, while the film’s ensemble cast of basketball legends adds a layer of authenticity and fun to the story.
The movie celebrates the joy of playing the game, the bonds of friendship, and the idea that age should never be a barrier to achieving your goals. Whether you’re tuning in for the basketball action, the humor, or the inspiring message, Uncle Drew delivers an enjoyable experience that will leave you cheering for the underdog.
Watch Uncle Drew Today:
- Hulu
- Amazon Prime Video
- Apple TV (iTunes)
- Google Play Movies
- Vudu
- YouTube Movies
Get ready to hit the court and laugh along with Uncle Drew and his team of basketball legends as they prove that it’s never too late to chase your dreams and have a little fun along the way.
