White Men Can't Jump (1992) review

Hustler "Syd" Deane (Wesley Snipes) recruits Billy Hoyle (Woody Harrelson) to help him beat streetballers in California for money - Syd wants to move out of his dangerous neighborhood in South Los Angeles and Billy and his girlfriend Gloria (Rosie Perez) owe thousands to the Mob ... which is why she's studying hard to be on Jeopardy!, a trivia-based TV game show (hosted by Alex Trebek).  Writer-director Shelton, who was a minor league infielder, is fully aware of the competitiveness and banter among athletes (not to mention a familiarity with the "highs" of gambling) and what is, on the surface, about basketball turns into a solid buddy movie: after Gloria finally dumps Billy (most likely for good), all that's left is the start of a beautiful friendship.  I didn't watch this when it first came out, but thirty years later I'm glad we've done away with those "Yo Momma" jokes....