They Call Me Magic * Helps Us Appreciate The Sacrifices And Challenges Magic Experienced To Be The Legend He Is Today
Takes an illuminating, holistic look into the life and career of one of the world’s most iconic figures, Earvin “Magic” Johnson. This docuseries explores the remarkable accomplishments and global impact of Johnson’s life, both on and off the court. From his humble beginnings in Lansing, Michigan to becoming a five-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers, he changed the conversation around HIV and transcended into a community activist and successful entrepreneur. Featuring never-before-seen footage and interviews with Magic, his family, powerhouses from business and politics, and those in his inner circle, the series will offer an unprecedented look at one of the biggest cultural icons of our era.
KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ethan P. comments, “I like They Call Me Magic because it is a four-episode docuseries about the life and career of Earvin “Magic” Johnson, the five time NBA Champion Los Angeles Lakers. The audience can appreciate Magic’s humbleness, sacrifices and challenges he went through in order to be the Legend he is today.” See his full review below.
They Call Me Magic
Ethan P., KIDS FIRST!, Film Critic, Age 13
I like They Call Me Magic because it is a four-episode docuseries about the life and career of Earvin “Magic” Johnson, the five time NBA Champion Los Angeles Lakers. The audience can appreciate Magic’s humbleness, sacrifices and challenges he went through in order to be the Legend he is today.
They Call Me Magic is about the beginning of Earvin “Magic” Johnson’s career as a basketball player, his journey from playing in high school, college, becoming an NBA All Star player, and a successful businessman and advocate for the minority communities. The audience will learn where his nickname Magic came from. What type of obstacles Magic had to go through to have the successful life he has today. He experienced racism, rivalry, jealousy, three engagements gone wrong with his actual wife, Cookie Johnson, he has the HIV virus and had to deal with the acceptance of his son, EJ Johnson, being homosexual and the repercussion that comes with it.
This Apple TV+ docuseries was directed by Rick Famuyiwa with editor Dirk Westervelt and cinematographer Rachel Morrison. The audience will enjoy listening to special guests narrating some of Magic Johnson’s highlight moments in his life. We get to see former presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton expressing their admiration for Magic. Former basketball players like Charles Barkley, Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal, Larry Bird, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar talking about their personal experiences with Magic, inside and outside the basketball court. Jimmy Kimmel, Arsenio Hall, Samuel O’Jackson and Snoop Dog are also some of the celebrities expressing their admiration and narrating Magic’s influence in his community and globally. Today, Earvin “Magic” Johnson is a successful businessman, an advocate for HIV/AIDS patients and for the minority community. He owns several sports teams as well.
The moral of this docuseries is that things always happen for a reason and to never give up when situations in life get hard. Magic never thought that having the HIV virus will turn his life for good by educating the world about this illness. He shared his experience with the virus and taught the world that AIDS is not necessary a gay illness. Anyone can be contaminated by this virus.
I’d give They Call Me Magic 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, with adult’s supervision due to foul language. They Call Me Magic is available now on Apple TV+.
