Air Up There, The MPAA Rating: PG Entertainment: +3 1/2 Content: -1

Disney Pictures has come up with a lively, inspiring tale of a young college basketball coach who takes his search for fresh talent to new heights. Jimmy Dolan (Kevin Bacon) is an assistant coach who is faced with having lost his top high school pick and with that, his chance to become head coach. At the school banquet Jimmy sees a videotape of young Africans playing a superb game of basketball. Undaunted, he heads off for northern Kenya, only to discover that the young superstar-to-be is also the chief's son and next in line for chief. The son, Saleh (Charles Gitonga Maina), is torn between loyalty to his father's culture and his desire to play basketball for Jimmy in the U.S. When troubles fall upon the tribe, Jimmy comes forward to work with them as a team to overcome the crisis. The basketball scenes interwoven with the tribal culture are exciting and intense, heightened by the lively African-inspired music. The drama, adventure, and team spirit in THE AIR UP THERE make it fun, exciting entertainment.

The loyalty and determination of Saleh and the tribe are inspiring. The leadership of Saleh and Jimmy brings out both team spirit and pride in their village. The chief also grows, as he learns to look beyond tribal boundaries and accept Jimmy's concern and kindness. In one touching scene, the chief forgives his other son of betrayal when the son sacrifices everything for the tribe's benefit. The film is refreshingly free of crude sexual content, nudity and gratuitous violence. However, some crudities, obscenities and profanities are included, no doubt to avoid a "G" rating. Also, in one game scene, a player is shown guarding a female player by putting his hand on her posterior several times. While the use of objectionable language is disappointing, THE AIR UP THERE is far above many of today's films in wholesome content.

Preview Reviewer: Alice Anderson
Distributor: Buena Vista Distribution, 350 S. Buena Vista St., Burbank, CA 91521