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Biographical documentary

Jump Shot: The Kenny Sailors Story (2020): Cast, Ratings & Plot

Jump Shot: The Kenny Sailors Story (2020) movie poster

Jump Shot: The Kenny Sailors Story is a 2020 biographical documentary directed by Jacob Hamilton, starring Kenny Sailors, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant. It runs 1 hour 19 minutes. Critics gave it 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 7.4/10.

IMDb rating
7.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes
100%
Echo Score
89
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Jump Shot: The Kenny Sailors Story (2020) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 19m (79 min)
Director
Jacob Hamilton
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Jump Shot: The Kenny Sailors Story About?

The premise of Jump Shot: The Kenny Sailors Story without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

The film tells the remarkable true story of Kenny Sailors, a Depression-era basketball player who revolutionized the sport with his innovative jump shot. His unique playing style not only transformed the game but also opened doors for women in professional sports, challenging conventions and breaking down barriers during a pivotal time in American history.

Jump Shot: The Kenny Sailors Story Themes & Keywords

· 3 tags
  • basketball sport
  • game
  • basketball
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Cast & crew

Jump Shot: The Kenny Sailors Story Cast

Kenny Sailors leads the cast, with Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant. Directed by Jacob Hamilton; 10 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Jump Shot: The Kenny Sailors Story

· 6 more
Ratings

Jump Shot: The Kenny Sailors Story Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Jump Shot: The Kenny Sailors Story 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 7.4/10. Our Echo Score gives it 89/100, strongest in art & craft (93) and weakest in rewatch factor (83).

89 /100

Jump Shot: The Kenny Sailors Story Echo Score Breakdown

Overall, Jump Shot: The Kenny Sailors Story stands out as a heartfelt and engaging sports documentary that honors its subject while delivering a cohesive cinematic experience. The film’s narrative is praised for its clear structure and emotional depth, weaving together archival materials, interviews, and animations into a unified whole. Critical observers appreciate the compassionate direction and persuasive argument for Hall of Fame recognition. User feedback underscores the film’s ability to inspire, inform, and resonate emotionally. On balance, it offers a compelling tribute with strong broad appeal.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 93

    In terms of art and craft, the film excels through its inventive blending of archival photography, animation, and interview footage. Critics highlight the seamless integration of these elements into a cohesive visual narrative. Users praise the thoughtful editing that sustains interest and clarity throughout. The measured pacing and polished production design result in a consistently engaging aesthetic presentation.

  • Character & Emotion 92

    When it comes to character and emotion, the documentary offers a nuanced portrayal of Kenny Sailors’s life and legacy. Critics emphasize its compassionate narrative that underscores Sailors’s humility, sacrifice, and decency. User accounts describe the emotional resonance of personal anecdotes and interviews that convey genuine warmth. Overall, the film delivers a thoughtful character study with lasting empathetic impact.

  • Story & Flow 90

    In terms of story and flow, the film maintains engaging pacing and clear narrative focus. Reviewers note its persuasive structure in detailing Sailors’s introduction of the jump shot and subsequent life events. Users remark on the film’s ability to balance historical context with human interest, delivering both educational and emotional engagement. Ultimately, the narrative cohesion sustains viewer interest from start to finish.

  • Sensory Experience 89

    Regarding sensory experience, the documentary balances a thoughtful soundtrack, precise sound design, and cohesive visual style. Critics praise the interplay between music cues and archival audio in reinforcing emotional tone. Users also highlight the clarity of sound mixing and the consistent visual theme created by the animations and film transfers. Overall, the sensory elements enhance immersion throughout.

  • Rewatch Factor 83

    The film’s rewatch factor rests on its rich historical detail and enduring emotional themes. Reviewers observe that the layered presentation of Sailors’s biography invites renewed appreciation on subsequent viewings. Users note that the combination of engaging visuals and human interest sustains repeat appeal. In conclusion, the documentary offers lasting value that rewards multiple viewings.

Plot

Jump Shot: The Kenny Sailors Story Plot Summary

What happens in Jump Shot: The Kenny Sailors Story from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 14 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

From the creative mind of Executive Producer Stephen Curry, the compelling documentary JUMP SHOT narrates the remarkable journey of Kenny Sailors, a remarkable yet overlooked figure in basketball history. This film reveals how Sailors not only introduced the transformative jump shot technique but also earned accolades such as being a 2-time collegiate All-American and an NBA pioneer. Beyond the basketball court, he served valiantly as a US Marine during World War II, yet, post-war, he faded quietly into the background of history.

Full summary

The whole story of Jump Shot: The Kenny Sailors Story, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Jump Shot: The Kenny Sailors Story?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

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  10. Question 10: not answered

What innovative basketball technique did Kenny Sailors introduce?

Seen Jump Shot: The Kenny Sailors Story?

FAQ

Jump Shot: The Kenny Sailors Story FAQ: Cast & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings and post-credit scenes of Jump Shot: The Kenny Sailors Story, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Jump Shot: The Kenny Sailors Story?

Jump Shot: The Kenny Sailors Story runs 1 hour 19 minutes (79 minutes).

When was Jump Shot: The Kenny Sailors Story released?

Jump Shot: The Kenny Sailors Story was released on April 16, 2020.

Who directed Jump Shot: The Kenny Sailors Story?

Jump Shot: The Kenny Sailors Story was directed by Jacob Hamilton.

Who is in the cast of Jump Shot: The Kenny Sailors Story?

Jump Shot: The Kenny Sailors Story stars Kenny Sailors, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant, among 10 credited actors.

How is Jump Shot: The Kenny Sailors Story rated?

Jump Shot: The Kenny Sailors Story has 7.4/10 on IMDb, 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and 73% on TMDB.

Does Jump Shot: The Kenny Sailors Story have a post-credit scene?

No. Jump Shot: The Kenny Sailors Story has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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