Overall, a compelling argument for the $121-million Los Angeles Lakers center to keep his day job.
Kazaam (1996)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:24
Fresh:1
Rotten:23
Average Rating:2.5/10
Runtime: 1 hr 34 mins
Genre: Comedies
Synopsis: When young Max bumps into an abandoned boom box, he's understandably shocked when it releases an extremely tall, Black genie named Kazaam, who grants the kid three wishes. At first, Max doesn't... When young Max bumps into an abandoned boom box, he's understandably shocked when it releases an extremely tall, Black genie named Kazaam, who grants the kid three wishes. At first, Max doesn't take the genie seriously, but soon enough, the pair become fast friends. Max desperately wants to reunite with his father Nick, who abandoned him years ago. He tracks him down, only to find Nick involved in criminal activities with sleazy, villainous types. When Nick's life is endangered by these men, Max wishes for another chance with his dad. Meanwhile, Kazaam has become a rapper -- and is busy performing in concert when Max makes his request. Will the genial genie miss his chance to help the young boy when he needs him most? [More]
Starring: Shaquille O'Neal, Francis Capra, Ally Walker, James Acheson
Starring: Shaquille O'Neal, Francis Capra, Ally Walker, James Acheson
Director: Paul Michael Glaser
Director: Paul Michael Glaser
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Release:
Oct 8, 2002
Reviews for Kazaam
The visual trickery might delight children, but Kazaam will leave even them wishing for more of the genie's playful trickery to make up for lackluster comedy in the story.
The movie's producers could use a genie of their own. Surely, if granted three wishes, they could have produced a better film.
Too gritty, violent and downbeat for tykes, it's also a bit juvenile and fairy tale-like for teens and older auds.
This is as witless as movies come -- an unamusing, moronic blend of horrible acting and inept screenwriting.
Oh well, at least NBA superstar Shaquille O'Neal can still tell people he made his big-screen debut in Blue Chips.
As fairy tale, buddy comedy, family drama, thriller or rap revue, Kazaam is simply uninspired and unconvincing, and Mr. O'Neal, who can carry a basketball team, lacks the charisma to rescue this misguided effort.
It's full of special effects that are big on smoke and noise, but short on logic and payoff. Scenes are sloppily edited, as if to imply that lower standards can acceptably be palmed off on kiddie audiences.
One thing is for certain: When a genie movie doesn't come up with satisfying wishes, it's a sure sign it's not really interested in genies but in putting a seven-foot basketball player in a funny outfit.
As for Shaquille O'Neal, given his own three wishes the next time, he should go for a script, a director and an interesting character.
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 77% 77% | The Hangover |
| 88% 88% | Inglourious Basterds |
| 66% 66% | Public Enemies |
| 24% 24% | G-Force |
| 44% 44% | Night at the Museum: B… |
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 90% 90% | District 9 |
| 86% 86% | 500 Days of Summer |
| 63% 63% | Extract |
| 06% 06% | All About Steve |
| 78% 78% | It Might Get Loud |
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