There's no doubt being on the basketball court draws parallels to the suspense and thrill of a great movie. In fact, both require many of the same components – a leading man, a supporting cast and terrific storylines.

So it comes as no surprise that Kings players enjoy movies regardless of whether it's the latest box office hit or a cinematic classic.

Each player has his own personal movie preference. From sci-fi thrill-rides such as "I Am Legend" to horror-filled cringers like "Saw," film selection varies amongst the bunch.

"Over the past five years, I just started watching a lot of horror films," Kings rookie big man Jason Thompson said of one of his favorite movie genres. "I've seen 'Hostel,' but I didn't watch the second one because the first one was too crazy!"

The Kings rookie isn't always in theaters watching the ghastly and grotesque. He's also a fan of the suspenseful thriller -- the thought-provoking films that keep movie-goers guessing. One of his favorite films is the 90s crime drama starring Wesley Snipes, "New Jack City."

"If you haven't seen it before, it's kind of like 'American Gangster,'" the Kings rookie said. "The whole city in the movie changed because of all the crime. If you're successful breaking the law, the movie shows, it'll eventually come to an end."

Some of Thompson's favorite suspenseful films have starred Academy Award-winning actor, Denzel Washington, whom Thompson admires for his versatility.

"Just how he goes from one part to another makes me a big fan," Thompson said of Washington. "Like in 'Training Day,' he's a hardcore bad cop. But then on 'The Preacher's Wife,' he's an angel."

Unlike his teammate, Beno Udrih doesn't have a favorite big screen actor. But the Kings starting point guard believes as long as a great performer is in the cast, "it's usually a good movie."

Though Udrih was born and raised in Slovenia, he's not much of a European film buff. His taste is more along the lines of blockbuster movies from the United States. While growing up, however, the point guard had to wait a few extra months before the newest U.S. releases hit Slovenia.

"When I was younger, a friend told me about a trip he went on to America," Udrih explained. "He watched a movie that wasn't out in Slovenia. It took three months for that movie to finally come out there."

But the fifth-year floor general acknowledged things have since changed in his home country.

"Now every time when a movie comes out in the States, it's out there right away," Udrih said with a smile.

With the intensity level as high as it is during the NBA season, it's important for players to keep the atmosphere light off the court. And sometimes, watching a movie keeps minds fresh amidst the rigor and focus of the year.

"Anytime you can sit back, relax and have a laugh at a funny movie, it's always good," Kings rookie Bobby Brown said.

As Brown has learned in his first month-and-a-half, free time is hard to come by in the NBA. But whenever there's an hour or two to spare, the Los Angeles native's prerogative is to take in an entertaining film.

"After gameday shootaround, I'll go home, relax and watch a good movie," Brown said. "Or I'll watch one on the plane or in the hotel room."

Rather than rent movies, Brown looks no further than his teammate John Salmons when his own selection won't suffice. Like Brown, the Kings swingman is a movie aficionado and doesn't mind sharing his DVD collection with the young guard. Though they share similar taste in film, they don't agree on one comedic actor.

"He doesn't like Will Ferrell," a baffled Brown said. "He says he likes the other guy who was in 'Talladega Nights.' The guy was in ‘Step Brothers' with him, too. I forgot his name."

As Salmons walked past Brown after practice, Brown smiled adding, "John says he's funnier than Ferrell. I don't believe it though!"

Focused on having another outstanding game against Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers, Salmons didn't hear the Young Gunna's comment, so the debate remains.

But even though Salmons believes John C. Reilly is more amusing than Ferrell, there's one thing the pair and their teammates agree on -- movies bring reprieve from the action-packed thrill-ride that is the NBA. And no other showdown of the season is closer to a box office hit than Kings-Lakers.