We know what Shaquille O’Neal can do on the basketball court.(We should say that we know what he used to be able to do and are hopeful that he can still manage a reasonable facsimile of it for the Suns.)
But what can he do on the screen?Shaq’s got a surprisingly long film and TV resume, and although much of it involves him playing a tall basketball player named, uh, Shaquille O’Neal, he’s also mixed it up with other fare, as well.
OK, who are we kidding? Shaq’s never going to be Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in Airplane! But as a tribute to the newest Sun, we’re offering a few of O’Neal’s most-notable roles, some of which we hope to get around to seeing someday.
1. Blue Chips (1994): Shaq plays Neon, a basketball star in William Friedkin’s study of the corruption in college hoops. Cast includes Penny Hardaway, Marques Johnson and Bob Cousy. Best of Shaq’s off-court efforts, easy.
2. Kazaam (1996): If Blue Chips is his best film, then this is probably his best-known. Shaq plays the title character – a genie. A really big genie. The tagline tells you all you need to know: “He’s a rappin’ genie with an attitude . . . and he’s ready for slam-dunk fun!” And we are ready for a stiff drink.
3. Curb Your Enthusiasm (2001): Yes, he plays himself, but it’s a fantastic bit: Larry David accidentally trips Shaq during a Lakers game, injuring him. What a great show.
4. Steel (1997): In which O’Neal plays a weapons designer for the military and, through a series of events, a superhero. Again we go to the tagline: “Man. Metal. Steel.” Catchier than “Straight. To. Video.”
5. He Got Game (1998): Oddly, the “he” of the title isn’t Shaq, who had game and then some in 1998, but Ray Allen, the current Boston Celtic who showed that he wasn’t a bad actor in this Spike Lee film. Shaq plays himself, as do a slew of other NBA folks. Small role, good movie.
