Michael Jordan as a Hero? No Sweat--at All

One of the odd things about “Michael Jordan: An American Hero” is that the hoopsters--including star Michael Jace--never seem to sweat. The indefatigable Jordan loping up and down the basketball court without that glistening face and scalp? The script referee should have blown a whistle right there.

But the makers of “Michael Jordan: An American Hero” didn’t seem to put that much sweat into the movie itself.

The film, showing Sunday night at 8 on the Fox Family Channel, is the predictable drama about the kid who was initially cut from the high school varsity and, through hard work, determination and an ability to defy gravity, became one of the sport’s greatest players.

Directed by Alan Metzger (“Strangers in a Small Town”), the movie has the modest look of a book written for juveniles, full of admirable advice. Which might have been acceptable for kids if clips of the real Jordan’s dazzling moves were included. Alas, even casual fans will be struck by the unrealistic game scenes.

This is in the genre of hokey basketball movies in which the ball leaves the shooter’s hand, where-upon the viewer next sees a close-up of the hoop--and the ball (surprise!) sailing through.

Jace appears to display no better than playground basketball skills, even if he does stick his tongue out, a la Michael.

Ironically, midway through the movie, a Bulls teammate accuses Jordan in his rookie year in the pros of “hot-dogging it all over the court.” If only viewers were shown a bit of hot dogging!

Off the court, Jace gives it the old college try, but he doesn’t possess the swagger--or mile-wide grin--of Jordan. As he passes through various crises--publicity over his gambling, accusations that he hasn’t been a force in the black community, the murder of his father (played by Ernie Hudson)--the script, written by Michael J. Murray (“Madonna: Innocence Lost”), offers no special insights into what makes Jordan tick.

The casting includes some actors connected to the real-life sports world, though not in the ways you might expect. Jordan’s mother is played--feistily--by Debbie Allen, who is married to former Lakers star Norm Nixon. And Jordan’s wife is played by Robin Givens, boxer Mike Tyson’s ex.

Oh, and parents, in case you’re worried, there are no scenes involving Jordan’s ex-teammate, Dennis Rodman.

* “Michael Jordan: An American Hero” will be broadcast at 8 p.m. Sunday on Fox Family Channel. The network has rated it TV-G (suitable for all ages).