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Review

Once again, mature Shakespearean drama is fodder for teenage angst and tomfoolery as the Bard's "Othello" is transferred to the world of high school basketball. Hartnett plays Hugo (a rather clumsy modernization of the name Iago), who's terribly jealous of the attention his father (Sheen, as the coach) lavishes upon star player "O" (Phifer). If you know the original play, you know what happens next: Hugo fools "O" into believing horrible lies about his girlfriend Desi (Stiles), and the downward spiral begins. Though there are several involving scenes, the movie ultimately feels pointless: Iago's motivation was courtly (as in royal) power plays. Screenwriter Brad Kaaya fails to give Hugo motivation for his wretched deeds other than Daddy doesn’t pay attention. The central theme of blind ambition is gone, with only deceit and betrayal at the core. It's just not quite enough to pull it off. Phifer is most impressive as the wronged "O."