Uncle Drew

Kind of like the state of the NBA these days in a nutshell, Uncle Drew features a few flashy crossovers and dazzling dunks but doesn’t keep the momentum for a full four quarters.

It’s not surprising that this comedy based on a series of Pepsi-sponsored advertisements struggles at feature length, although the legions of fans of the basketball superstars and ex-stars in the cast might be more forgiving.

Boston Celtics guard Kyrie Irving plays the title role, a senior citizen and former neighborhood streetball legend who’s now more of a sage to younger players on the playground. But give him a ball and doubt his skills, and he can still hoop.

The diminutive Dax (Lil Rel Howery) is an amateur coach with aspirations of winning the prestigious Rucker Park Classic and collect its lucrative cash prize to help fund the extravagant spending habits of his girlfriend (Tiffany Haddish).

However, Dax’s best player (Orlando Magic star Aaron Gordon) just left him for another team, forcing him to beg Uncle Drew to return to the court with his ragtag group of geriatric teammates (including Shaquille O’Neal, Reggie Miller, Lisa Leslie, and Chris Webber) to school the next generation and earn bragging rights by winning the championship.

As you’re watching Uncle Drew, as directed by Charles Stone III (Drumline), you can discern the camaraderie among the cast members, most of who are outside their element — and covered in latex aging makeup — and probably aware that they’re not trying to win awards, but just have fun.

In particular, Irving showcases an affable, understated screen presence that brings unlikely depth to his role beyond what the target demographic might expect. Howery (Get Out), meanwhile, is amusing enough as an alternative to Kevin Hart, who just can’t star in everything.

The screenplay by Jay Longino (Skiptrace) features a certain heartfelt charm beneath the surface, reflected in an endearing nod to old-school hardwood legends and to the enduring appeal of playground basketball. Such fleeting nostalgic appeal becomes lost amid the film’s reliance on crude gags and formulaic predictability.

Alas, the outtakes during the closing credits are a highlight, reflecting a sense of spontaneity that’s missing from the bulk of the film. Overall, the game plan feels too conservative, not allowing the playmaking stars to just do their thing.

Rated PG-13, 103 minutes.