The reviews continue for "Kazaam," starring SHAQUILLE
O'NEAL, with very few giving the film itself much regard, but
some giving O'Neal passable grades for his performance.
DETROIT's Susan Stark: "As a shot for movie stardom, this is a
definite miss on O'Neal's part. He's an impressive presence, all
right, but his emotional range is limited to frowning and
smiling." Stark does call Shaq's smile the movie's "chief asset"
(DETROIT NEWS, 7/17). MILWAUKEE's Duane Dudek: "[Shaq] is less
an actor than a brand name ... his manufactured persona is best
suited to TV ads" (MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL, 7/17). S.F.'s
Mark LaSalle: "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" (S.F. CHRONICLE, 7/17). BOSTON's Paul Sherman:
"Charismatic O'Neal ... is easily the best thing about this
comedy-drama" (BOSTON HERALD, 7/17). Matthew Gilbert: "O'Neal
manages to project some warmth, although not much else" (BOSTON
GLOBE, 7/17). MIAMI's Howard Cohen: "Even [Shaq] doesn't have
the power to rescue 'Kazaam'" (MIAMI HERALD, 7/17).
PHILADELPHIA's Mary Flannery: "It's not a bad role for Shaq. ...
He's got a light, warm-hearted touch that attracts both adults
and children" (PHILA. DAILY NEWS, 7/17). CHICAGO's John
Petrakis: "Let's just say that his acting is about on par with
his free-throw shooting. He does, however, exhibit a certain
cuddly presence" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 7/17). TAMPA's Bob Ross:
"['Kazaam'] proves two things: (a) Shaquille O'Neal is no actor,
and (b) he's not much of a singer, either" (TAMPA TRIBUNE, 7/17).
MINNEAPOLIS' Jeff Strickler: "O'Neal demonstrates an affable
boyish charm" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 7/17). CLEVELAND's
Joanna Connors: "You would have to be a founding member of the
Shaquille O'Neal Fan Club to enjoy 'Kazaam'" (Cleveland PLAIN
DEALER, 7/17). KANSAS CITY's Ward Triplett: "You want to cringe
when he's asked to show any emotion other than jubilance" (K.C.
STAR, 7/17).
JOKESTER: O'Neal read David Letterman's "Top Ten Things
About Being Tall" on the "Late Show" last night wearing an All-
Star Cafe shirt. No. 10: "Breathtaking view of Marv Albert's
hairpiece." No. 1: "You can make $14 million a year without
switching networks" (CBS, 7/18).
