Like Mike

Calvin Cambridge lives with a tight knit group of friends in a city orphanage, where everyday small joys come from basketball scraps and shared sneakers. One day they uncover a battered pair of shoes marked with MJ that seem linked to a nearby power line. A fierce storm makes them brave the wet street to recover the shoes, and a bolt of lightning strikes Calvin and the footwear. After the spark fades, Calvin discovers he has extraordinary basketball abilities and a new sense of possibility. His talent brings him attention from scouts and teammates, while testing his loyalty to the friends who kept him grounded. He learns that fame comes with responsibility and the people who mentored him deserve credit.

Directed by John Schultz, Like Mike comes from an original screenplay by Jordan Moffet and Michael Elliot. It favors a light family friendly tone and a playful sports fantasy, with Shad Moss and Morris Chestnut leading a hopeful cast. The film uses straightforward humor and kid friendly antics to keep pace.

Worldwide box office totaled around 62.3 million on a 30 million budget, making it a solid performer for a family comedy. The number plus its home video life helped cement Like Mike as a dependable option for family movie nights.

Like Mike became part of the era's kid friendly sports fantasies, anchoring a simple message about belief, teamwork and chosen family. The idea of magical sneakers elevating an underdog tale gave the film a memorable premise that pops up in nostalgia lists that fans remember for many years and families.

Critics greeted the film as a light hearted yet conventional family outing. It emphasizes friendship, gratitude, and staying grounded when success arrives, offering a safe mix of humor and heart. Moss and Chestnut give warmly grounded performances that help the story land and feel real for many years to come.