MPAA Rating: PG
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
Director: John Schultz
Actors: Lil Bow Wow as Calvin Cambridge, Morris Chestnut as Tracey Reynolds, Eugene Levy as Frank Bernard, Jonathan Lipnicki as Murph and Crispin Glover as Bittleman.

At the Chesterfield Group Home orphanage, it’s pretty much an accepted fact that prospective parents are looking to adopt "puppies" (younger children), certainly not the old "dogs" like Calvin Cambridge and his best friends Murph and Reg. But Calvin hopes someday he’ll find a loving home. When Calvin finds a pair of used basketball shoes inscribed with the initials "MJ," he’s convinced the owner was none other than Michael Jordan. But the shoes are just ordinary, well-worn basketball shoes until they get zapped with electricity during a thunderstorm. That’s when they begin to give their wearer extra-natural sports skills. Calvin lands a contract with the NBA, and dazzles the crowd. Will his newfound fame bring him a family?

The importance of family is central to Like Mike. Not only do Calvin and his friends want to be part of one, but Calvin can’t understand why one of his teammates is at odds with his father, and works to bring the two together. Friendship, too, is highly valued. Sister Theresa stresses the importance of doing well in school and keeping up with homework.

God isn’t ignored in this movie, either. As an NBA player, Calvin encourages his roommate, Tracey, to join him for nightly prayers. A reluctant Tracey gets on his knees and recites along with Calvin, "Now I lay me down to sleep." But Calvin takes this prayer a step further and asks for God’s blessing on certain individuals including Tracey. And first on Calvin’s list of famous adopted people is "Moses."

Not everything about Like Mike is likeable. Some negative elements may be a good reason for younger kids not to watch. Cheerleaders wear immodest outfits. A few bad words are spoken. And several characters, including Calvin, lie. More seriously, Pacific Gas and Electric has issued a statement saying that the movie could be harmful to children because of a scene that involves Calvin retrieving his MJ sneakers from a power line. Such an action could cause serious injury or death. Additionally, the movie gives a thumbs up to mainstream rap—most of which is not God-honoring.

There’s plenty to like about Mike. Family. Friendship. Self-sacrifice. Watch out for a few jolts of negative electricity, but this high-flying basketball flick is worth considering.

NOTE: Our comments are not meant to endorse or discredit any particular film; they're just a way for you and your parents to make informed decisions about what enters your eyes and ears (Philippians 4:8).

	Q: What do you get when an antelope and a caribou collide? A: A cantaloupe. Jacy and Joe C., 8 and 6, North Carolina Clubhouse Jr. Click here to subscribe