Diggs eventually gets his life back on track by winning slam-dunk competitions -- halftime events, typically -- with prizes in the many thousands of dollars. The faith elements are limned only sparingly, making this movie a tough slog even for those inclined to look favorably on religious fare.

The film contains a scene of gun violence and some trash-talking. The Catholic News Service classification is A-II -- adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG -- parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.

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Jensen is a guest reviewer for Catholic News Service.

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CAPSULE REVIEW

"Slamma Jamma" (RiverRain Productions)

This well-intentioned sports drama -- based very loosely on the life of slam-dunk champion Kenny Dobbs -- occasionally comes to tepid life on basketball courts. But a weak script, together with production values indicative of a low budget, keep it hobbled as a story of redemption and Christian faith. Chris Staples (a former Harlem Globetrotter in real life) plays a onetime college star who has to rebuild his life after serving a six-year prison term for armed robbery, during which he embraces evangelical Christianity. Writer-director Tim Chey comes up with little other than cliched dialogue. A single scene of gun violence, some trash-talking. The Catholic News Service classification is A-II -- adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG -- parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.

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CLASSIFICATION

"Slamma Jamma" (RiverRain Productions) -- Catholic News Service classification, A-II -- adults and adolescents. Motion Picture Association of America rating, PG -- parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.