Space Jam (1996)

Director:

Joe Pytka

Writers (WGA):

Leo Benvenuti (written by) &
Steve Rudnick (written by) ...

Release Date:

15 November 1996 (USA)

Genre:

Animation | Adventure | Comedy | Family | Sci-Fi | Sport

Tagline:

Get ready to jam

Plot:

Michael Jordan agrees to help the Looney Toons play a basketball game vs. alien slavers to determine their freedom.

Plot Keywords:

Basketball | Looney Tunes | Bugs Bunny | Michael Jordan | Alien

Awards:

5 wins & 6 nominations

Cast

Michael Jordan	...	Himself
Wayne Knight	...	Stan Podolak
Theresa Randle	...	Juanita Jordan
Manner Washington	...	Jeffery Jordan (as Manner 'Mooky' Washington)
Eric Gordon	...	Marcus Jordan
Penny Bae Bridges	...	Jasmine Jordan
Brandon Hammond	...	Michael Jordan - 10 Years Old
Larry Bird	...	Himself
Bill Murray	...	Himself
Thom Barry	...	James Jordan
Charles Barkley	...	Himself
Patrick Ewing	...	Himself
Tyrone Bogues	...	Himself (as Muggsy Bogues)
Larry Johnson	...	Himself
Shawn Bradley	...	Himself

MPAA:

Rated PG for some mild cartoon language.

Runtime:

88 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

DTS | Dolby Digital | SDDS

Certification:

Denmark:7 | Malaysia:U | Iceland:L | South Korea:All | Philippines:G | Argentina:Atp | Australia:G | Brazil:Livre | Canada:F (Ontario) | Canada:G (British Columbia/Manitoba/Nova Scotia/Québec) | Chile:TE | Finland:S | France:U | Germany:o.Al. (bw) | Netherlands:AL | Norway:7 | Portugal:M/6 | Singapore:PG | Spain:T | Sweden:Btl | UK:U | USA:PG

Filming Locations:

Big Bear Lake, California, USA

Company:

Warner Bros. Pictures

Trivia:

When flying towards "Moron Mountain", the monolith from 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) can be seen at the very right edge of the frame floating in space.

Goofs:

Continuity: The arena and the arena floor change during the Knicks-Suns game at the beginning.

Quotes:

[first lines]
James Jordan: Michael? What are you doin', son? It's after midnight.
Michael Jordan at 10: I can't sleep Paps.
James Jordan: Well neither can we with all that noise you're making. C'mon, let's go inside.
Michael Jordan at 10: Just one more shot?
James Jordan: Alright, just one.

Movie Connections:

Features Speedy Gonzales (1955)

Soundtrack:

Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)

Good cartoon with plenty for adults – more than just selling products

A group of aliens arrive in Loony Tune world and challenge the inhabitants to a battle for the ownership of that world. Seeing the aliens are tiny, Bugs Bunny decides a game of basketball should be easily won. However the aliens steal the talent from several NBA players and look set to win easily. However Bugs and Daffy kidnap Michael Jordan and ask for his help.

At the time of release I must admit that I wasn't keen on seeing this film as the whole merchandising thing had left me with a sour taste in my mouth, putting me off the film. Happy Meals and such were everywhere! Later I saw it on TV, away from all the hype and found it enjoyable but not great. The plot is silly, but who cares – it's a cartoon. The comedy is good and has plenty for kids with the cartoon characters doing cartoon things, but also for adults. The film is full of in-jokes for adults ranging from a 3 second spoof of Pulp Fiction to some really funny lines – `oh great, no one told me Dan Aykroyd was in this film' when Bill Murray makes an appearance, was my favourite. Also as a big basketball (and Knick) fan it was fun to have tonnes of basketball stars make fun of themselves as well.

However it is a cartoon at heart and I imagine that those who don't like pratfalls etc and aren't basketball fans won't be laughing all the time. Also, surprisingly for Jordan's first film, the basketball action is pretty poor. I know it didn't have to be realistic but the great man is amazing enough in action without giving him amazing rubber arms etc with special effects.

Jordan is good and is a better actor than others I've seen, but he is only playing himself and not that naturally either! The support cast is where the money is and they all work well. Whether it be the cartoon characters or adults they all do what they have to. De Vito is funny and Randle is sexy but as usual Murray steals each and every scene he is in!

Overall this manages to be more than a sales drive for Happy Meals (although the McDonalds product placement is a bit tasteless – hey! Just like the burgers!) and is an enjoyable film. The kids will be happy with the cartoon element and most adults will like the in-jokes and the NBA players making jokes at their expense.