The 6th Man

Synopsis

In the comedy-drama The Sixth Man, directed by Randall Miller, Marlon Wayans stars as Antoine Tyler, a talented basketball player at a major college. Antoine is part of a dynamic duo alongside his brother, a promising athlete with NBA aspirations. However, when tragedy strikes and Antoine's brother unexpectedly passes away, Antoine must navigate his grief while also stepping up as a leader on the team. With the help of a buzz from the other side, Antoine finds guidance in the spirit of his late brother who becomes the 'sixth man' on the court, guiding him to success. The film explores themes of brotherhood, loss, and redemption, weaving a heartfelt story that balances humor with emotional depth, all set against the backdrop of basketball and the fervor of college sports. As Antoine faces both professional challenges and personal turmoil, he learns about resilience and the enduring bond of family, making 'The Sixth Man' a touching exploration of life’s unpredictabilities.

Cast

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  Marlon Wayans

  Kenny Tyler

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  Kadeem Hardison

  Antoine Tyler

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  David Paymer

  Coach Pederson

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  Michael Michele

  R.C. St. John

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  Octavia Spencer

  Nativity Watson

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  Saundra McClain

  Camille Tyler

Reviews

Despite its promising premise, The Sixth Man received mixed reviews upon its release in 1997. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has a low score of 23%, indicating that many critics found it lacked depth and coherence. According to a review by the Los Angeles Times, the movie 'plays like a collection of tired sports clichés', failing to innovate within the genre. While some have found moments of humor, particularly from Marlon Wayans' performance, the overall consensus reflects a dissatisfaction with the narrative's execution. On IMDb, the film has a modest rating of 5.6/10, suggesting that audiences had a similarly tepid reaction to the film. As noted by Variety, while 'The Sixth Man' attempts to blend comedy with seriousness, it frequently trips over the tonal inconsistencies. However, the film is not without its charm; some viewers appreciate its earnest attempt to explore themes of loss and brotherhood amidst the slapstick humor. Ultimately, while it may not have resonated widely with critics, 'The Sixth Man' retains a small fanbase who enjoy it for its quirky take on sports and friendship. Metacritic users rated it 50 out of 100, reflecting mixed or average reviews. The film may find a place in the hearts of those seeking lighthearted escapism or nostalgia for 90s comedies.