🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: John Whitesell
- Genre: Comedy, Family, Fantasy, Sport
- Release year: 2012
- Runtime (length): 1h 34min
- IMDb rating: 5.1/10 (6.1K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: N/A
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A clumsy kid touches a basketball and suddenly Kevin Durant can’t shoot, meaning this kid is now responsible for the Thunder’s entire season, but also, like, his own high school team, I guess?
🍿 Thunderstruck: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Introduction to Brian and Kevin Durant
Brian Newall is a clumsy high school student with a passion for basketball, despite his lack of skills. He idolizes NBA superstar Kevin Durant. During a Thunder game, Brian gets a chance to meet Durant, and an unusual event occurs.

The Talent Switch
After meeting Brian, Kevin Durant suddenly loses his basketball talent. Simultaneously, Brian finds himself miraculously gifted with Durant’s skills. This leads to humorous situations as Durant struggles on the court, while Brian becomes a star player at his high school.

Brian’s Rise and Kevin’s Fall
Brian’s newfound talent makes him popular and successful. He becomes the star of his high school basketball team. However, Durant’s career suffers dramatically, facing public criticism and losing his confidence. Brian enjoys the perks of being a star but soon realizes the consequences.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Kevin Durant (Kevin Durant): A basketball superstar who loses his talent after a magical encounter with a fan.
- Brian (Taylor Gray): An uncoordinated teenage fan who magically gains Kevin Durant’s basketball talent.
- Coach Amross (Jim Belushi): The high school basketball coach who unexpectedly gains a star player in Brian.
- Alan (Brandon T. Jackson): Kevin Durant’s agent who tries to help him regain his lost talent.
- Isabel (Tristin Mays): The new girl in town who is initially impressed by Brian’s newfound basketball skills.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Kevin Durant: “Take this man. You’e gonna make this next shot.” – Kevin Durant says this to Brian right before they magically switch talent.
- Kevin Durant: “Thank you man I appreciate that.” – Kevin Durant says this when Brian says he wishes he had his talent.
- Kevin Durant: “Hard work beats talent, when talent doesn’t work hard.” – Kevin gives Brian a signed basketball with this motivational message during a game halftime.
💰Box Office
- Budget: N/A
- Domestic Gross: $587,211
- Worldwide Gross: $587,211
💥 Thunderstruck Reviews
Personal Review
Okay, look, I’m not gonna lie, I went into this expecting a trainwreck, but it was actually kind of charming! Sure, the plot is predictable, but it’s a fun, feel-good movie. Seeing Kevin Durant play a bad basketball player was hilarious, and the message about hard work is actually pretty good for kids. I really enjoyed the scenes with Jim Belushi. It’s not going to win any awards, but it’s a solid family movie night choice.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Basketball fans”
- “Families looking for a lighthearted movie”
- “Kevin Durant fans”
- “Kids aged 7-12”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Mild language”
- “Rude humor”
- “Some basketball related physical comedy”
Professional Reviews
- KIDS FIRST!: “A funny and inspirational film that is definitely enjoyable to watch. One great message in this film is that talent isn’t something you get; talent is something that you earn with hard work and dedication. I recommend this film for ages 7 to 18 and anyone who loves the game of basketball.
- Chix Chat on Film: “This film was like a drawn out commercial for the NBA, Nike and Kevin Durant, unfortunately it was less memorable than his data plan commercial. You can see basketball on TV, you can see the TNT announcers on TV and you should really wait until this film comes to TV to see it.
Audience Reactions
The film had good laughs and good acting.: Worth watching.
The movie’s silliness is enjoyable to de-stress.: Tasty
Overall Consensus: A cheesy but fun family movie with a predictable plot but a heartwarming message and some genuinely funny moments, especially for basketball fans and younger viewers.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Kevin Durant said that the hardest part about filming this movie was having to intentionally miss so many shots, as it went against his natural instincts as a basketball player.”
- “Several NBA personalities, including Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal, made cameo appearances as commentators, adding to the film’s authenticity and appeal for basketball fans.”
- “The film was shot in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, providing a backdrop that contrasts with the Oklahoma City setting, where Kevin Durant played for the Thunder at the time.”
🖥️ How to Watch Thunderstruck?
Thunderstruck is currently available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check these services for the most up-to-date pricing and availability. As a Warner Bros. production, it might also be available on Max.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Thunderstruck, you might like these similar films:
- Like Mike (2002): Shares the theme of a young boy magically gaining basketball skills from an NBA star, providing wish-fulfillment and comedic scenarios.
- Space Jam (1996): Features an NBA superstar (Michael Jordan) in a fantastical situation involving basketball and humor, appealing to a similar family audience.
- Teen Wolf (1985): A high school student gains supernatural abilities that make him a star basketball player, exploring themes of identity and popularity.
🛒 Thunderstruck Related Products
- NBA 2K24: Experience the ultimate basketball simulation with realistic gameplay, stunning graphics, and the latest NBA rosters. Live your NBA dreams.
- Wilson NBA Authentic Indoor/Outdoor Basketball: Official NBA basketball with durable composite leather cover for indoor/outdoor play. Great for practicing your game or collecting.
- Oklahoma City Thunder Kevin Durant #35 Jersey: Show your support for Kevin Durant with this authentic OKC Thunder jersey. A must-have for any fan.
- Space Jam (Two-Disc Special Edition): Watch the classic basketball movie Space Jam. Space Jam is a fun movie for the family to sit back and enjoy!
🎧 Soundtrack
Thunderstruck features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Thunderstruck is available for streaming and purchase on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check availability on these services.
Yes, Thunderstruck is generally considered a family-friendly movie suitable for kids. It has a PG rating for mild language and rude humor. Parents should review content warnings before watching with younger children.
Thunderstruck is about a young basketball fan who magically switches talents with his idol, Kevin Durant. The movie explores themes of hard work, honesty, and the importance of believing in oneself.
🔥 Bonus Content
Thunderstruck | Behind The Scene Featurette | Warner Bros. Entertainment
Ever wonder how they actually made ‘Thunderstruck’? This behind-the-scenes featurette is super cool, giving you a glimpse into the movie’s production!
A Teen Accidentally Got NBA Star Skills, But It Didn’t Go as He Expected | Movie Recap
Need a quick refresher on ‘Thunderstruck’ or thinking about watching it for the first time? This recap video will give you the gist of it in about 10 minutes!
Thunderstruck! How Angus Young, Brian Johnson and AC DC Created a Classic | Professor of Rock
Did you know the movie ‘Thunderstruck’ got its name from the AC/DC song? This in-depth analysis of how the song came to be is seriously fascinating, and a must-watch for any rock fan.
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