Movies

Power Moves with Shaquille O’Neal Review: Just a Long Reebok Commercial

BBG News

To fully appreciate Netflix’s basketball reality series, Power Moves with Shaquille O’Neal, you’ll either need to be a dedicated Shaq fan or sneaker enthusiast. The show skillfully combines entertainment and marketing, with NBA legend and sports analyst Shaquille O’Neal as its star. He is one of the most well-known figures in professional basketball. Additionally, the series boasts appearances from NBA icon Allen Iverson (A.I.), who currently holds the position of Vice President of Basketball at Reebok. Shaq and A.I. share a rich history, and both are prominent figures in Reebok’s classic basketball shoes and clothing line.

Skip ahead to 2025, Shaq and AI continue to be deeply invested in Reebok’s brand, with Shaq holding the second-largest stake, worth approximately $2.5 billion as of 2022. Serving as the President of Reebok’s Basketball division, O’Neal primarily dedicates his time to Power Moves, where he is actively seeking new brand ambassadors for both male and female professional basketball players. Angel Reese, a star in the WBNA with nearly five million Instagram followers, currently represents Reebok basketball, and there are plans for a signature shoe to be released soon within Power Moves.

In various instances, Shaq, A.I., and Reebok CEO Todd Krinsky present their ideas – both live and on camera – about how Reebok is rejuvenating its basketball brand in today’s world. At times, the program has a similar feel to NBA 2K’s MyCareer mode, where players must decide between endorsement deals from various major companies such as Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, and Jordan. If Shaq’s son, Shareef O’Neal, wasn’t part of the pitch sessions and sneaker showcases, Power Moves would essentially be one continuous advertisement.

Shaq Fans Will Love The Inside Access To His Personal & Professional Life In Power Moves

Shaq & Reebok Personnel Take Up Just About Every Frame Of The Series

It was strategically smart for Netflix to release Shaq’s new series following the last episode of Inside the NBA, a popular pre-game, halftime, and post-game basketball show where Shaq has been a star since 2011. However, it should be noted that Power Moves deviates significantly from Netflix’s typical basketball documentaries. Unlike series like Court of Gold and Starting 5, it features very few NBA players, many of whom are not well-known even among dedicated basketball fans.

In a David versus Goliath scenario with Nike, Adidas, and Under Armor, Reebok is proactively seeking new talents, many of whom have just graduated from high school. With the recent approval and growth of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) agreements for college athletes, figures like Shaq and A.I., along with their Reebok team, are moving swiftly to make early contacts. Notable recruits in this strategy, as seen in Power Moves, include Stanford standout Jazzy Davidson and five-star recruit Ace Bailey, both of whom eventually chose other brands.

In simpler terms, Shaquille O’Neal, AI, and Reebok manage to secure G-League star Dink Pate, WNBA player Dijonai Corrington, and a high school basketball commit from Tennessee named Nate Ament. However, the only NBA player they were able to persuade is Matas Buzelis, a 20-year-old forward who was drafted by the Chicago Bulls last year. If these names don’t spark curiosity or even sound familiar, then “Power Moves” might not be an especially engaging show. For those intrigued by a glimpse into how Shaquille O’Neal manages brand deals and sneaker design off-court, this series is ideal.

Limited Drama & Stakes Make Power Moves A Mildly Entertaining Watch

Power Moves Obviously Tries To Turn Its Viewers Into Customers

Power Moves doesn’t appeal to a broad range of viewers, primarily attracting fans of basketball who are likely to watch all six episodes. On the other hand, individuals who have only encountered Shaq in brief clips or movies may not even give it a second glance.

If you’re hoping for a heartfelt scene in the Netflix sports series that might trend on the internet, similar to Kevin Durant’s uncommon display of vulnerability in “Court of Gold”, you’ll likely be disappointed. Shaquille O’Neal’s words for Shareef, who underwent open-heart surgery and must decide whether to persist with his basketball career or work for his father at Reebok, are as emotional as it gets. In contrast, Shaq’s other sons, Myles and Shaqir, receive minimal attention in the series.

As a movie reviewer, I’d say: “The branded entertainment in this production, featuring Shaq and A.I., could have benefited from a richer narrative and higher stakes. It’s clear that they’re making a concerted effort to boost their struggling shoe brand, and that’s evident in the film’s conception – Power Moves. However, when the dialogue veers into marketing jargon, it leaves one questioning who this production is truly aimed at, whether it be the viewer or the customer.

Read More

2025-06-06 23:28

Previous post Netflix has just added an “intense” and “gripping” Australian murder mystery
Next post 10 Features I Desperately Want To See In 007 First Light