Critic Reviews

• Sean O'Connell, Washington Post

  Sells itself on durable messages about strong work ethic, the importance of community relations and playing to one's individual potential.

• Sandie Angulo Chen, Common Sense Media

  Talent-swapping basketball tale is bland but OK for kids.

• Marjorie Baumgarten, Austin Chronicle

  Headlining a less-than-mediocre kids' movie taints one's brand rather than enhancing it. Just ask Shaq.

• Todd Jorgenson, Cinemalogue.com

  It might be more effective with a hint of subtlety and a premise that isn't so flimsy and formulaic.

• Paul Chambers, Movie Chambers

  The film has a great, if not commonplace, message: Work hard to get ahead. Don't take any shortcuts. Nothing wrong with kids wasting 90 minutes if they come away with that theme.

• Jim Judy, Screen It!

  What should have otherwise been an easy layup of a film bounces off the backboard and rim, and misses its shot at being something special. (Full Content Review for Parents also available)

• Nell Minow, Beliefnet

  This "Freaky Friday" with basketball keeps throwing airballs.

• Frank Swietek, One Guy's Opinion

  An innocuous boys' wish-fulfillment fantasy...that would be more at home on a family-friendly cable channel....But boys of a certain age--and their sports-minded dads--probably won't mind.

• Brian Orndorf, Blu-ray.com

  Bland, feebly acted comedy, concentrating more on laughs and half-realized messages of adolescent responsibility than solidifying a truly bizarre premise.

• Chris Hewitt (St. Paul), St. Paul Pioneer Press

  "Thunderstruck" isn't especially funny or exciting, and its muddled lesson is about as convincing as Marv Albert's luxuriant russet wig. But it's not terrible.

Read all 10 critic reviews