Space Jam (1996)

In a desperate attempt to win a basketball match and earn their freedom, the Looney Tunes seek the aid of retired basketball champion, Michael Jordan.

Director:

Joe Pytka

Writers:

Leo Benvenuti, Steve Rudnick

Stars:

Michael Jordan, Wayne Knight, Theresa Randle

5 wins & 7 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Michael Jordan	...	Michael Jordan
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	...	Larry Bird
Bill Murray	...	Bill Murray
Thom Barry	...	James Jordan
Charles Barkley	...	Charles Barkley
Patrick Ewing	...	Patrick Ewing
Tyrone Bogues	...	Muggsy Bogues
Larry Johnson	...	Larry Johnson
Shawn Bradley	...	Shawn Bradley

Storyline

Swackhammer, owner of the amusement park planet Moron Mountain is desperate get new attractions and he decides that the Looney Tune characters would be perfect. He sends his diminutive underlings to get them to him, whether Bugs Bunny and Co. want to go or not. Well armed for their size, Bugs Bunny is forced to trick them into agreeing to a competition to determine their freedom. Taking advantage of their puny and stubby legged foes, the gang selects basketball for the surest chance of winning. However, the Nerdlucks turn the tables and steal the talents of leading professional basketball stars to become massive basketball bruisers known as the Monstars. In desperation, Bugs Bunny calls on the aid of Michael Jordan, the Babe Ruth of basketball, to help them have a chance at winning their freedom.

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Plot Keywords:

basketball | looney tunes | basketball game | alien | chicago bulls | 

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Taglines:

Together, they just might save the world.

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Genres:

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

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for some mild cartoon language

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

15 November 1996 (USA)

Also Known As:

Space Jam

Filming Locations:

Madison Square Garden, 7th Avenue, Chelsea, Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$80,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$27,528,529, 17 November 1996, Wide Release

Gross USA:

$90,463,534

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$250,200,000

Company Credits

Production Co:

Warner Bros. Family Entertainment, Northern Lights Entertainment, Courtside Seats Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

88 min

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby SDDS DTS-Stereo (digital 35 mm prints)

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The following cartoons are referenced when their characters appear at the meeting: An Egg Scramble (1950) (Miss Prissy), Hair-Raising Hare (1946) (Gossamer), Hillbilly Hare (1950) (Curt & Punkinhead Martin), Mexicali Shmoes (1959) (Slowpoke Rodríguez), Rabbit Punch (1948) (The Crusher), Rabbit's Kin (1952) (Pete Puma), The Dover Boys at Pimento University or The Rivals of Roquefort Hall (1942) (The Dover Boys) and Three Little Bops (1957) (the three little pigs).

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Goofs

When the green monster says, 'you're all washed up, baldy', he is to the left of Michael Jordan. When Michael Jordan reacts and says 'baldy?', he looks up to the right.

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Quotes

[first lines]
James Jordan: Michael? What are you doin', son? It's after midnight.
Michael Jordan at 10: I couldn'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: All right, just one.

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Crazy Credits

After the credits, various characters quarrel over who gets to say "That's All Folks", then 'Michael Jordan' says "Can I go home now?" Then the Looney Toons "That's all folks!" written text slides over.

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Alternate Versions

Available on home video in a slightly longer director's cut.

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Connections

References Long-Haired Hare (1949)

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Soundtracks

Fly Like An Eagle
Written by Steve Miller
Produced by Seal
Additional production by Rashad Smith and Armando Colon
Performed by Seal
Courtesy of ZTT Records Limited/Warner Music UK Limited/Warner Bros.
Records Inc.

User Reviews

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.