Like Mike

Like Mike is a 2002 American comedy film directed by John Schultz and written by Michael Elliot and Jordan Moffet. The film stars Lil' Bow Wow, Morris Chestnut, and Jonathan Lipnicki, and features Brenda Song, Robert Forster, and Crispin Glover in supporting roles. Like Mike was released by 20th Century Fox and NBA Entertainment, and it premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival before its wide release. The film's success can be attributed to the popularity of Lil' Bow Wow and the National Basketball Association (NBA) at the time, with Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Shaquille O'Neal making cameo appearances.

Plot

The plot of Like Mike revolves around Calvin Cambridge (played by Lil' Bow Wow), a 14-year-old orphan who discovers a pair of sneakers once owned by Michael Jordan. After putting on the shoes, Calvin Cambridge finds himself possessing the basketball skills of Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird. With his newfound abilities, Calvin Cambridge is drafted into the NBA and becomes a star player for the Los Angeles Knights, owned by Coach Wagner (played by Robert Forster). As Calvin Cambridge navigates his new life as an NBA player, he must also contend with the pressures of fame and the challenges of being a young athlete, all while learning valuable lessons from his coach and teammates, including Tracey Reynolds (played by Morris Chestnut) and Reg Stevens (played by Jonathan Lipnicki). The film features cameos from several NBA players, including Allen Iverson, Steve Francis, and Jermaine O'Neal, as well as Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady.

Production

The production of Like Mike was a collaborative effort between 20th Century Fox and NBA Entertainment, with Peter Heller serving as the producer. The film was directed by John Schultz, who had previously worked on Drive Me Crazy and Agent Cody Banks. The screenplay was written by Michael Elliot and Jordan Moffet, with input from Lil' Bow Wow and other members of the cast. The film was shot on location in Los Angeles and New York City, with additional scenes filmed at the Staples Center and Madison Square Garden. The production team worked closely with the NBA to ensure the accuracy and authenticity of the basketball scenes, consulting with Phil Jackson, Pat Riley, and other NBA coaches and players.

Cast

The cast of Like Mike features a mix of established actors and young talent, including Lil' Bow Wow, Morris Chestnut, Jonathan Lipnicki, Brenda Song, Robert Forster, and Crispin Glover. The film also features cameo appearances from several NBA players, including Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O'Neal, Allen Iverson, and Steve Francis. Additional cast members include Eugene Levy as Frank Bernard, Roger Morrissey as Trener, and Anne Meara as Coach's Wife. The cast's performances were praised by critics, with Lil' Bow Wow receiving particular acclaim for his portrayal of Calvin Cambridge.

Reception

Like Mike received generally positive reviews from critics, with many praising the film's lighthearted and family-friendly tone. The film holds a Rotten Tomatoes score of 57%, with many critics noting the film's entertaining and humorous take on the sports film genre. The film was also a commercial success, grossing over $62 million at the domestic box office and becoming one of the highest-grossing films of 2002. The film's success can be attributed to the popularity of Lil' Bow Wow and the NBA at the time, as well as the film's positive portrayal of youth sports and community involvement. The film has since become a classic of the family film genre, with many considering it one of the best sports films of the 2000s, alongside Remember the Titans and Miracle.

Soundtrack

The soundtrack for Like Mike features a mix of hip-hop and R&B music, with contributions from Lil' Bow Wow, Nelly, Jay-Z, and Destiny's Child. The soundtrack was released by So So Def Recordings and Columbia Records, and it features the hit single "Basketball" by Lil' Bow Wow. The soundtrack also includes tracks from Missy Elliott, Timbaland, and Aaliyah, as well as Ja Rule and Ashanti. The soundtrack was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard 200 chart and earning a gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The soundtrack's success can be attributed to the popularity of Lil' Bow Wow and the NBA at the time, as well as the film's positive portrayal of youth culture and urban music.