Is Like Mike Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Like Mike is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Family movies.
It features a runtime of 99 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Like Mike Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2002, Like Mike emerges as a significant entry in the Family, Comedy, Fantasy domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Calvin and his friends, who all live in an orphanage, find old shoes with the faded letters MJ connected to a powerline. Unlike standard genre fare, Like Mike attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Family is often anchored by its ensemble, and Like Mike features a noteworthy lineup led by Shad Moss . Supported by the likes of Morris Chestnut and Jonathan Lipnicki , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Like Mike (2002) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.1/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Like Mike Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Like Mike is a Family, Comedy, Fantasy film that presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The film presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. Calvin and his friends, who all live in an orphanage, find old shoes with the faded letters MJ connected to a powerline. One stormy night, they go to get the shoes when Calvin and the shoes are struck by lightning. Calvin now has unbelievable basketball powers and has the chance to play for the NBA. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The film establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
Like Mike Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Like Mike concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to family resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the family themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Like Mike reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Like Mike?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Family films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Like Mike Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $30.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $62.3M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Like Mike Budget
The estimated production budget for Like Mike is $30.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of Like Mike
- Shad Moss – Calvin Cambridge
- Morris Chestnut – Tracey Reynolds
- Jonathan Lipnicki – Murph
- Anne Meara – Sister Theresa
- Jesse Plemons – Ox
Top Highlights
Shad MossCalvin Cambridge
Morris ChestnutTracey Reynolds
Jonathan LipnickiMurph
Anne MearaSister Theresa
Jesse PlemonsOx
Brenda SongReg Stevens
Julius RitterMarlon
Crispin GloverStan Bittleman
Robert ForsterCoach Wagner
Eugene LevyFrank Bernard
Where to Watch Like Mike Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Google Play Movies
YouTube🏷️ Buy on
Google Play MoviesYouTubeParents Guide & Age Rating
Like Mike is rated PG. It is generally suitable for all ages.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.1/10, and global collection metrics, Like Mike stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2002 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Like Mike movie hit or flop?
Like Mike has received mixed reviews with a 6.1/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Like Mike worth watching?
Like Mike is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Family, Comedy, Fantasy movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Like Mike online?
Like Mike may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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