Load Bearing Beams

We open the book and read from Jim Carroll’s many basketball diaries to find out about his life on the streets with Mickey, Pedro, and Neutron. What a time these little scamps had! Yelling at old ladies, knocking hot dogs out of children’s hands, and barfing on the guy who would later play Big Pussy on The Sopranos.   Oh, but they weren’t all happy days. No, there are dark times ahead for young Jim (Leonardo DiCaprio), and we talk all about it.   Bonus video: We talk about our favorite teachers from movies. Watch it on our Twitter, Instagram, or TikTok.   Next week: Pulp Fiction (1994) with The Reel For Real podcast!    Time stamps: 00:04:40 — Our personal histories with The Basketball Diaries 00:13:05 — History segment: Jim Carroll’s real life and Basketball Diaries; production of this movie and the casting of Leonardo DiCaprio and Mark Wahlberg  00:31:15 — In-depth movie discussion 01:16:29 — Final thoughts and star ratings   Sources: "Off the Rim" by Thomas Mallon |