The Rewatchables ‘Blue Chips’ With Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, and Van Lathan
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Mar 25, 2025 Join the hosts as they dive into the nostalgic charm of 'Blue Chips,' dissecting its blend of compromise and corruption in college athletics. They share personal anecdotes and highlight the memorable performances of basketball legends like Shaquille O'Neal and Penny Hardaway. The discussion expands to the complexities of depicting basketball on film and the evolution of sports movies in the 90s. Reflecting on character dynamics and humorous critiques, they explore the cultural impact of this classic while also teasing an exciting upcoming film festival!
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Blue Chips as Penny Hardaway
- Bill Simmons compared "Blue Chips" to Penny Hardaway: great potential but ultimately disappointing.
- However, he finds the movie weirdly endearing and nostalgic, liking it more over time.
Inverted Sports Movie
- Chris Ryan views "Blue Chips" as an inverted sports movie.
- It begins with losses, compromised principles, and a ruined career, lacking typical sports movie tropes.
Happy as a Modern Hero
- Van Lathan notes that "Blue Chips"' villain, Happy, would be a hero in today's NIL era.
- Paying players is now accepted, making Pete Bell, who resists it, the modern villain.