This is a small, humorous movie in some ways, but it has a huge heart. What a nice experience.

It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties.

The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

......Young, naive kid comes from the sticks to make it in the world of big-college basketball, encounters a Bobby Knight-type tyrannical coach, gets his ego stroked however by a caring teacher (tutor) and that carries him through to where one day, when the starting guard goes down with an injury, he gets his chance and turns into Magic Johnson/Larry Bird....and then tells the coach where to stick it...... As writer Dave Barry used to say, "I am not making this up."Here is another example of movie I re-watched on tape in the mid 1990s and wondered, "How could I have liked this film so much when it came out?" That was then, and now is now. Yes, one tends to be far less discerning when one is younger, but some movies also get dated in a hurry. This is one of them. Actually, actor Robby Benson is another. He was a hot commodity in the '70s but faded fast.However, despite having said all of the above, this movie IS fun to watch.Good acting (and ballplaying) by Benson as college student-athlete "Henry Steele" and G.D. Spradlin as hard-nosed basketball coach "Moreland Smith" set up some intense confrontations in this sports movie, another gritty one from the era.Benson also was a hot actor in this decade, and he's convincing in this role. He usually played interesting characters, as did Spradlin, who was always effective as a villain. By the way, don't buy the Hollywood cliché that every sports coach is tyrannical maniac. In college basketball, ask the players at UCLA who played under John Wooden, or the cagers at Duke under "Coach K," or hundreds of other places. Most coaches are NOT Bobby Knight, as portrayed here. This character is over-the-top, big-time.Anyway, this film is so engulfed with movie clichés like the above that you could easily drown in them. Everything is so predictable, such a cliché that it is embarrassing to watch this at times, although it is entertaining and must be given points for that. You know things will work out for "Henry Steele." It's how they do that get a bit irritating, and Henry's attitude isn't always admirable, either. Boy, do they manipulate you, however, in this film! You HAVE to root for the kid, even if he is a hot dog on the court.Overall: this film will keep you involved, but don't believe anything in this story.

What can I remember about "One on One". I was like 10 years old. I think I saw it as a double-feature with another sports movie called "Take Down". That is when double-features existed and they usually had movies with similar themes. Anyhow, One on One is a pretty cool movie for anybody, let alone those who love basketball. I remember Robby Benson going to college and he is literally dwarfed by some of the other players. The center was 7'4", his new friend was like 6'6" and little Robby is only 5'11". But he still can dazzle us with his ball handling and great outside shots. He falls in love with a nice Freshman and the relationship is very sweet and tame. I think they may have kissed twice, one being just a simple short kiss. This is your typical underdog story told in a sport's theme while giving the audience the allure of young adults learning about life and love. The closing song and montage is also nice and reminiscent of the 70's.

While Robby Benson and his girlfriend depict simple, two- dimensional characters in this movie, the supporting cast isactually quite convincing. The story is interesting and told prettywell, so the movie keeps up a good pace. While the end of themovie is rather predictable, it is hard to not root for David to againslay Goliath; this time using a Red Hot Poker as his only weapon.Keep in mind that this movie came out in 1977, long before thecurrent crop of athletic and recruiting scandals, including a teammate being charged with homicide at a major college. Thisfictional tale (One on One) does not vary much from the reality thatsome of these kids go through when they leave home for the firsttime and enter the Big Business of college athletics.

Thumbs down.************POSSIBLE SPOILERS************ Saw this movie on ESPN classic last night. Sorry, can't sympathize with Henry at all. His coach was absolutely right. The kid was a hot dog, an undisciplined show-off. And like the coach pointed out, greedy and hypocritical. He even pops amphetamines during practice. I wondered why the coach took so long to try and throw him off the team. I would have done it much sooner, and much harsher. Then when he finally redeems himself and the coach gives him another chance, does he thank the him? No, he returns to his wise-ass self. Jerk.