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© St. Petersburg Times, published July 4, 2002
Not much to like about 'Mike'
The National Basketball Association gives its seal of approval to Like Mike, but that doesn't mean moviegoers will. Like Mike stars teenage rapper Lil' Bow Wow, left, as Calvin Cambridge, an orphan who slips his feet into a pair of magical basketball shoes and starts playing like Michael Jordan. He signs a pro contract, irritates his idol and roommate (Morris Chestnut), and deals with an unscrupulous orphanage director (Crispin Glover). The movie coasts on Lil' Bow Wow's considerable appeal and cameo appearances by a roster of NBA stars, all on their best behavior for a PG rating. Otherwise, that orphanage might be stocked with illegitimate children. Like Mike is a sweet-natured failure, predictable as a Harlem Globetrotters game, and thoughtless on occasions involving playing with power lines, taking prescription drugs and underage driving. Only a hoops freak like Dick Vitale could love this movie, which opened in theaters Wednesday. (A full review appeared in Tuesday's Floridian and is available at www.sptimes.com.) C-