Like Mike (Tyson)

A bullied teenager sets his morals to the side when he discovers that his dad's collectible Mike Tyson gloves actually give him the former champion's boxing abilities.

  • Nicholas Ryan Cordero
    Director
  • Nicholas Ryan Cordero
    Writer
  • Nirvan Valecha
    Producer
  • Carl Lee
    Key Cast
    "Norbert"
  • Trung To
    Key Cast
    "Evan"
  • James Shelledy
    Key Cast
    "Coach Blaze"
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Action
  • Runtime:
    11 minutes 42 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    December 11, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    1,600 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    RED
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - San Diego State University
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
Director Biography - Nicholas Ryan Cordero

Nikko Cordero has had a passion for filmmaking ever since he was ten years old, making stop-motion LEGO animations in his room. His most recent film credit was editor for “It Just Clicked,” as well as colorist for “LSDEAD.” Although Nikko is an editor at heart, he loves to tell a good story and looks to remind people that filmmaking at its core sometimes is meant to simply just entertain and allow audiences to escape from our stresses for a bit and share a few laughs. In his spare time he enjoys going to the gym and exercising, doing martial arts, and watching YouTube. He also finds creative outlets through freelance videography and photography for concerts, sports, and community events. He is appreciative and so thankful for everyone who took part in this film and those who have shown continuous support today.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Like Mike (Tyson), is an action comedy about the most brutal, vicious, and ferocious champion there’s ever been...in a tiny, scrawny body. Like Mike (Tyson) follows Norbert, a high schooler who gets bullied every day at school. After yet another beating, Norbert decides to put his pacifist morals aside and take up some boxing classes. In a rush, he takes his father’s collectible Mike Tyson gloves with him and soon realizes that he now has the former heavyweight champion’s boxing ability.
This story holds a deeply personal significance for me, rooted in my own experiences as a victim of bullying during my middle school years. Those were tough times when I dreaded going to school, and my self-esteem took a huge hit, leaving me feeling helpless and trapped. Despite this, I chose to frame this narrative as a comedy because humor and laughter became my coping mechanism during those difficult days, and it continues to be a source of strength for me. Furthermore, my inspiration for the comedic style of our film draws from growing up watching classic comedy movies like "White Chicks," "Napoleon Dynamite," and "Dodgeball: An Underdog Story." These films have played a pivotal role in shaping the comedic essence of our project.
This film is more than just a comedy about a kid who can fight like Mike Tyson. It is about finding the courage to stand up for yourself when everyone around you tries to tear you down. Personally, this courage is something I wish I had during my middle school years, and this film serves as my way of closing that chapter and embracing the person I've become as a result.