One on One

source: One on One

One on One

I recently rented this for $2.99 on iTunes merely because it was featured for March Madness. I distinctly remember having gone to the theatre TWICE to see it back in 1977 when, two visits to see the same movie, meant choosing between comics or chocolate bars. I was ten (10) years old and in the sixth (6th) grade. I remember wishing that I could play like that; do 100 push ups AND sit ups; and most of all, maybe have a real, live girlfriend that was smart, beautiful (Annette O'Toole's cheekbones, lips, red hair) and liked ME. She was my first "movie crush". A very sweet, whist full time of lost innocence revisited. Good movie.

I watched this when I was at Uni. I was going through a negative patch and found that this film gave me a great lift. It taught me that it is much more fun doing things together than on your own. It also taught me that you can succeed if you really have the desire. The music was great and was added to my collection of soundtracks. It also turned me on to the talents of the leading lady. A good feeling film.

I really enjoyed this movie! Probably the strangest scene was when Robby Benson took some sort of speed before basketball practice! He was acting incredibly insane during practice and over the top. It was as if he had drank 100 cups of VERY STRONG coffee!!! The rest of the movie was good. From the coach who was very mean, to the tutor who developed a crush on Robby Benson. One of the interesting parts was when Robby's car broke down, and Melanie Griffith asked for a ride. She was mean to him and said she would scream RAPE!! Unless he gave her some money. If you like basketball movies, you will LOVE this movie.

What can I remember about "One on One". I was like 10 years old. I think I saw it as a double-feature with another sports movie called "Take Down". That is when double-features existed and they usually had movies with similar themes. Anyhow, One on One is a pretty cool movie for anybody, let alone those who love basketball. I remember Robby Benson going to college and he is literally dwarfed by some of the other players. The center was 7'4", his new friend was like 6'6" and little Robby is only 5'11". But he still can dazzle us with his ball handling and great outside shots. He falls in love with a nice Freshman and the relationship is very sweet and tame. I think they may have kissed twice, one being just a simple short kiss. This is your typical underdog story told in a sport's theme while giving the audience the allure of young adults learning about life and love. The closing song and montage is also nice and reminiscent of the 70's.

Robby Benson and Annette O'Toole have good enough chemistry to make their unlikely pairing a crowd pleaser nonetheless. Benson is very good as the jock who is first coddled, then spurned, stirring the man within him. The movie has a great deal of fun with the special treatment given Jocks. Benson's work-study job is to turn the sprinklers on and off, but the sprinklers work automatically. Gail Strickland and (Director) Lamont Johnson are marvelous in small but hilarious supporting bits. But the true star of the movie is G.D. Spradlin as the humorless and amoral hard-nosed basketball coach. Best exchange is when Benson says: "You're a great molder of character, coach" and Spradlin retorts, "You never asked me to mold your character." Spradlin is 100% true to his character as a John-Wooden-type of basketball coach. All in all, One on One shouldn't be taken too seriously but is quite enjoyable on its own terms.