Lights, Camera, Athletes!

Professional athletes are used to being followed around by cameras before, during, and especially after the game. These cameras are the omnipresent eye that sees athletes' successes, failures, and the occasional tirade. But what the game time broadcasts usually fail to capture is who these famous sports athletes are as people. Some athletes enjoy the everlasting spotlight that shine on their lives, while others prefer to fade into the background when the game has been won or lost. But let's face it, the athletes who relish the spotlight are always the more fun because they like spending their time in front of cameras. And there are athletes who don't fear the cameras, decide to spend more time in front of them by appearing in movies. There have been a decent number of professional athletes in successful movies, and movies that bombed.

First up on this list is the most recent, Mike Tyson in The Hangover

Mike Tyson has been one of the most interesting boxers in his generation. His record in the ring is 50-6-2 with 44 career knockouts, But his record on the big screen includes one really good performance in the first Hangover . The first time Mighty Mike appears on the screen, he reels the audience in by singing Phil Collin's song  In the Air Tonight. Tyson was able to captivate some of his boxing skills in a fitting manner, by punching out Zach Galifianakis's character after the guys steal Tyson's pet tiger. Then when he is watching the protagonists shenanigans on the security camera, the really guys, really look is very convincing. And although the franchise seems to de-fang Tyson in the film, Mighty Mike seems to have accepted the transition  from boxing tyrant, to lovable comedy actor. 

Overall grade for Tyson on screen: B+

Next up on the list is Michael Jordan in Space Jam. 

The greatest NBA player ever joins forces with the Loony Toons cast in the 1996 live/animated film to save the world from aliens. The concept is a little silly, but the purpose of this film was to make children laugh and teach them good values; and the film itself does a good job of executing their game plan. As for Jordan's role in the film, he is thrust into a basketball game to save the Loony Toons home. Jordan's play during the game gets more characteristic of his career during the second half of the film, when he rallies the team to victory. In terms of his character during the film, he goes from a lack of self confidence, to teacher, to leader, and finally to the Michael Jordan we are all used to seeing. And like most things Jordan did in his career, he executed his role well. But don't expect much of Jordan the actor, outside of a well written, simple script. 

Overall Grade for MJ on screen: B-




Next up, we take flight with Kareem Abdul Jabbar in Airplane

The NBA's all time leading scorer decided to try his luck at being an actor during the 1980's; and his first and only film was very successful. For those who have never seen Airplane, it is basically the first successful spoof movie. Abdul Jabbar's character in the film is the plane's co-pilot Roger Murdoch. Murdoch's role is very non essential to the plot, however, Murdoch does have a humorous dialogue with a young boy regarding Murdoch's true identity. Since Abdul Jabbar's character is so unessential to the plot, the writers get rid of him quickly by having Murdoch be one of the first individuals who gets sick. In short, the film did very well, but Abdul Jabbar's character was not compelling enough to give him much screen time.

Overall grade for Abdul Jabbar on screen: C




Next we look at how other NBA big men have done on the big screen with Shaquille O' Neal in Kazaam

Shaquille O' Neal was one of the most dominating big men ever to play the game of basketball; and with his vibrant personality, his trip to the big screen seemed inevitable. Unfortunately, the big diesel's performance in this horror show was unable to add the big Oscar to his long list of nicknames. The film itself is your typical boy-meets-genie movie that revolves around the genie, played by O' Neal, and his owner having to come up with three wishes. The first problem with this film was that Shaq's character came out of a boom box instead of the typical magic lamp. What kind of genie gets trapped in a boombox? Especially one who is 7'2 and weighs 360 pounds. Also, Shaq's genie character takes us away from the humorous Shaq we all know and love, by making him appear to lack self confidence. Despite Shaq's marketability and sense of humor, this terrible film will forever prevent the big cactus from claiming Hollywood fame.

Overall grade for Shaq on screen: F 

Finally, we turn to the old west and an even older athlete. Alex Karras in Blazing Saddles

 For those who may not know the name Alex Karras, he was a defensive lineman who played for the Detroit Lions from 1958 until 1970. Karras had a very good carrer, for he made four pro bowls, had four career interceptions as a defensive lineman, and was a part of the 1960's NFL All Decade Team. But as good as he was on the field, the lineman killed on screen. Karras was perfect for the character of Mongo, for Mongo was a simple minded hired hand with ludicrous physical abilities. During the course of the film, Mongo proves his strength by punching out a horse, and breaking out of chains as if they were tissue paper. However, Mongo's confrontation with the protagonist does not go so well, for the sheriff outsmarts Mongo and captures him. As a character, Karras fit into his role of the crazy strong, dim witted Mongo beautifully. It was a match made in movie making heaven and Mongo's character contributed by not only being comedy relief, but also aided in the protagonist's development as a sheriff.

Overall grade for Karras on screen: A


The number of athletes that hit the big screen is relatively low. And although there have been successes on the big screen, there have also been some very underwhelming performances. Athletes and movies were both made to entertain the masses, but maybe keeping them separated is what is best for both worlds.