Thunderstruck - D

Rated PG, 93 minutes

Basketball film "Thunderstruck" misses the mark

Kevin Durant and Taylor Gray

The new film "Thunderstruck" is part fantasy, part children's film and part sports film, but all of it's a lame, unfunny effort that seems more product placement than actual movie. Brian (Nickelodeon star Taylor Gray) is an Oklahoma City teen who can't play basketball and desires the skills of his hero Kevin Durant (playing himself). When Brian gets to meet Durant at a Thunder game, somehow their talents are switched and Brian suddenly becomes a basketball phenomenon while Durant loses all his athletic skills and talent. Durant's agent (Brandon T. Jackson) discovers what happens and works with Brian to get Durant his skills back before the playoffs. "Thunderstruck" is a weak, misguided and derivative effort that misses more than Shaq attempting free throws. Directed by John Whitesell of the "Big Momma" movies, it seems to be a remake of the similarly-themed 2002 sports movie "Like Mike," which at least had the charm of Jonathan Lipnicki and superstar Michael Jordan. The likable Gray is an untested actor and Durant, while truly a superstar ball player, has the charm and acting ability of the basketball itself (note to Durant: don't give up your day job). There are a handful of amusing themes and it all works itself out rather ridiculously even for a fantasy film, but "Thunderstruck" is more of a slick marketing ploy and product placement for the Oklahoma City Thunder, who unfortunately lost in the NBA finals this year. Comedian Brandon T. Jackson mugs for the camera incessantly, as if making up for whatever acting ability that Durant lacks, which is considerable. "Thunderstruck" is a mildly enjoyable but otherwise hackneyed effort at best and not worth your movie dollar.