 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Thunderstruck
- Review Date: August 24, 2012
- PG
- Genre: Family and Kids
- 2012
Common Sense Media says
Talent-swapping basketball tale is bland but OK for kids.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Thunderstruck, a family-targeted sports comedy about two people who swap basketball talents, follows a pretty cliched formula. But there's nothing too worrisome, content-wise, aside from occasional mild language ("hell," "damn," "crap," "pissed") and a good bit of commercialism when it comes to the NBA, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Nike. Young kids who love basketball -- and particularly star player Kevin Durant -- will learn a bit about the game and the player.
What's the story?
Oklahoma City teen Brian (Taylor Gray) loves basketball and idolizes Thunder star Kevin Durant. Problem is, Brian isn't all that good -- he's only the equipment manager of his high school's varsity team. When Brian attends a Thunder game, he even botches the halftime free-throw contest. But as a consolation, he gets a signed ball from Durant -- and in the moment they both touch the basketball, they somehow magically exchange talent. Following the incident, KD goes from all-star to worst player in the NBA, while Brian joins the team, led by clueless Coach Amross (James Belushi), and takes it all the way to regional championships. But unless the two can figure out how to undo their transfer of talent, Durant will be doomed.
Is it any good?
There's no question that Durant is an amazing basketball player. And he's not just a gifted athlete but a humble one at that. While his humility makes him a fascinating player off camera (he'd make an interesting documentary subject), he lacks the larger-than-life charisma of NBA alums like Shaquille O'Neal, Charles Barkley, and the late Bubba Smith. This is a fact that O'Neal and Barkley make clear in their brief cameos as Inside NBA commentators.
But THUNDERSTRUCK isn't a dud just because of Durant's subdued demeanor and inability to command a presence off the court. Brian is similarly underwhelming. Naturally the character couldn't have been dizzingly handsome, or his status as high-school nerd wouldn't have been believed. But that doesn't mean he couldn't have been sweet and charming; unfortunately, in Gray's hands, Brian never really sells his character's transformation. Bottom line? The movie feels thrown together, but young basketball fans might be so excited to see Brian try out his new Durant-sized moves (not to mention the NBA star himself) to care.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
Families can talk about why body-swapping stories are so popular in movies. How does this one compare to others like Freaky Friday and Vice Versa?
What does Isabel mean about the basketball changing Brian? How does he begin to act differently at school?
Is Kevin Durant a good actor here? Do you think he could play someone other than himself? Can you think of other athletes who've become actors?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
Kid, 7 years old
November 25, 2012
AGE
Best movie ever!
BEST MOVIE EVER! If you like basketball it is a good choice!
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 12 years old
January 26, 2013
AGE
Ok but not the best
It was ok for a one dollar movie but I wouldnt buy it
What other families should know:
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Topics: | sports and martial arts |
| Studio: | Warner Premiere |
| Director: | John Whitesell |
| Cast: | James Belushi, Kevin Durant, Taylor Gray |
| Genre: | Family and Kids |
| Run time: | 93 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | August 31, 2012 |
| DVD release date: | December 4, 2012 |
| MPAA rating: | PG |
| MPAA explanation: | mild language and rude humor |
Review It
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
