I don’t know whether Michael Jordan or Shaquille O’Neal is the better basketball player, but I know that Shaq’s movie was better than Mike’s movie. Shaq had an advantage, though: he was the only cartoon character in “Steel,” while Jordan was the only non-animated one in “Space Jam.”
Between the two sportsmen’s movies, however, there are some striking similarities. They both played hideously moral and socially aware characters (Michael played himself, so I don’t know if that counts), and they both take it upon themselves to save the world (Michael did it playing basketball, so I know that didn’t count).
Shaq plays John Henry, a very friendly, very large guy who leaves the army after an incident that permanently disables his friend Sparks (Annabeth Gish) when another member of his group (Judd Nelson) purposely misuses one of the weapons the group is testing.
The weapons are the most advanced in the world, and are effective for combat at one level, and effective for total destruction at another.
After the incident, Nelson is forced to leave the army, and sells the technology to an illegal arms dealer, who he promptly kills, taking over his business. To show off the weapons and their effectiveness to the world, he gives them to a local gang to use when robbing a local bank, then the federal reserve.
John Henry is present at the first robbery, and becomes gravely concerned about how the weapons got on to the streets. So, he takes it upon himself to rid the gang of their deadly apparatus.
With the help of Sparks, who he physically removes from a V.A. hospital, and a friend everyone calls Uncle Joe (Richard Roundtree), he becomes a nice, lean, fighting machine with the technology to outfight and outwit Batman any day.
His suit is made of steel (hence the title of the movie), and includes a transceiver linking him to Sparks who, back at home base, can patrol the crime activity in the city, and serve as eyes in the back of his head. Even better, she can tap in to the city computer system and change traffic lights when needed.
I assume this movie is aimed at a relatively young crowd: there is no vulgarity, even from the gang members, and no show of affection beyond a hug. Besides a little violence, I’m sure any parents’ association would approve.
And best yet, there is a clear moral. I found it kind of obnoxious, but I’m sure others will find it reassuring. The movie isn’t that good, but it’s good, wholesome entertainment with the higher intellectual level of a rock.
Grade: C-