LEBRON PREMIERES "MORE THAN A GAME DOCUMENTARY

LeBron James went to the movies on Thursday night and brought 1,000 guests with him. A few miles from the high school where he became a phenom, the NBA's reigning MVP hosted an advance screening of the documentary, "More Than A Game," a film about James' ascent to superstardom and the four childhood friends who helped him get there.

Shortly after severe thunderstorms blasted through the downtown area, chasing the marching band and cheerleaders from St. Vincent-St. Mary High School inside, James arrived at the historic Civic Theatre along with his girlfriend Savannah Brinson, New Orleans All-Star guard Chris Paul, TV host Nick Cannon and a few of the film's co-stars, high school buddies Willie McGee and Dru Joyce III.James will visit China, London and make other stops abroad to promote the film, but none of them will compare to showing it in his hometown.

"It means everything," the Cleveland Cavaliers megastar said. "This is where I was born, and I like to give back to the city where I came from. I wouldn't be the person I am without this city. The hardships and the great things that I have gone through have all built LeBron James. "So to be able to come back and premiere a movie like this in a building I have seen my whole life is great."

The documentary, directed by Kris Belman, recounts how James and his friends pursued their dream of winning a national championship. Beginning in a decrepit inner-city gym, the five friends embarked on a journey that would be illuminated by a national spotlight as James' fame grew. The film incorporates home video, personal photos and footage taken during James' final two years of high school.

- Jason