The theme was “green” as I rode up the escalators of the AMC Loews Theaters in scenic downtown Chicago and Sprite spared no expense in pulling out the punches to promote their new all natural drink — Sprite Green and the Lebron James documentary “More Than A Game.”  The drink boasts half the calories of the original Sprite with all natural sugars laced with a hint of lemon juice in a green tinged transparent glass bottle that would make the Incredible Hulk proud.  However, the event hosted by local comedian and radio host, Leon Rogers was “More Than Green.” As any tastemaker, fashionista or media hound would tell you, after packing into an intimately lit theater seating 150 people and previewing the highly anticipated documentary 7 1/2 years in the making — It was more than Lebron James.

It all began in a linoleum floored gym in Akron, Ohio.  Coach Dru Joyce II decided  pursuing his dream of coaching was an obtainable after the opportunity to coach his son Dru Joyce III’s AAU basketball team fell in his lap.  Filled with high hopes from his son’s budding talents and his own passion for the game, the young coach set off on a journey to recruit what would later be the most historic team collaboration — his son Dru (the hot head with a big heart,small stature and a killer outside shot), Willie McGhee (the mature one,wise beyond his years), Sian Cotton (the big man with comedic timing), Romeo Travis (the loner and leading scorer) and of course Lebron James (high school basketball phenom and future face of the NBA). They would become to be known as the ‘Fab Four’ (later renamed the ‘Fab Five’ with the addition of Romeo Travis in the friends sophomore year), like blood brothers with an unbreakable bond that would tie them together even to this day.

The documentary touched on the heart, character and struggles of the history making quintet in a coming of age story from their days of traveling Ohio and nearby areas climbing the ranks of the local AAU division to their fan frenzied, media crazy road to clinching the 2003 state high school championship game vs Kettering Alter.  It was during their junior year at St.Mary-St.Vincent, a predominately White prep school, that Lebron James would break out from his young, talented friends and become Lebron James, “The Chosen One.”  The boys toting rolls of duct tape and holding fish frys to raise money for shoes and unforms now had Adidas clothing and shoe sponsorship(s) and sold out college stadiums but their ultimate test would be in overcoming their inflated egos, Lebron’s growing fame and personal hardships to achieve their ultimate goal — the state championship title.

One thing is for sure “More Than A Game” will make you think twice about questioning how heartfelt Lebron’s loyalty, dedication and selflessness are when it comes to his friends and teammates. Like the origins of his sometimes divaesque attitude and inflated ego, it is very apparent how dear he holds friendship and comradery. Shortly after the film ended, the fans were indulged with a treat in the form of a question and answer session with Lebron and the four friends. As he stood before the small crowd next to Dru, Sian, Willie and Romeo, unlike his famously playful self, he was casual in his demeanor and virtually silent, making sure his friends got most of the shine in answering fans questions.

“The name speaks for itself,” James told the Chicago Tribune. “The word ‘sport’ will live long after LeBron James and coach Dru Joyce. But this story shows if you have a dream, it may take years and you will have bumps. But if you stick with it, you can reach it. And it shows if you have chemistry and brotherhood and loyalty, you can go anywhere.That message will last a lot longer than our names.”

“More Than A Game” was a pleasant surprise worth the five minute standing ovation it received at the 2008 Toronto International Film Festival last year. Look for the compelling drama filled with one on one interviews, exclusive photographs, game and real time footage highlighting Lebron and his friends best moments and new music by Mary J.Blige in select theaters October 2nd and in Chicago October 9th.