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:

Get ready to jam

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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 - El Juego del Siglo

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

When in the therapy session, Shawn Bradley says, "or I could go back to the jungle and be a missionary again." This is a reference to him being a Mormon and going on a two-year church mission.

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Goofs

After the alien steals Patrick Ewing's talent the referee throws the ball to him for a free throw. The ball hits Ewing in the chest. When Michael is watching TV and sees the replay of the incident, the ball hits Ewing in the forehead.

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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

Spin-off Space Jam (1996)

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Soundtracks

Get Ready For This
Written by Jean-Paul DeCoster (as Jean Paul DeCoster), Phil Wilde (as Filip DeWilde), and Simon Harris
Performed by 2 Unlimited
Courtesy of Critique Records Inc.

User Reviews

The Good & Bad Of 'Space Jam'

GOOD - Simply an enjoyable movie; lots of fun to watch and highlighted by a humorous Basketball game. Also, the surround sound is very good, the colors are beautiful, the cartoon effects well done and funny. Some of the humor is laugh-out-loud variety. As with a many good animated movies, there is so much to see and hear it would take many viewings to catch all the gags. With each viewing, you'll laugh at things you never noticed before.

As far as "live" actors working with cartoon figures, this was much better done than the earlier "Who Framed Roger Rabbit," so progress has been made in that area. While there is a lot going on, there are enough lulls to give viewers periodic breaks. The basketball action is fun to watch and I was surprised how well real-life stars Larry Bird and Michael Jordan acted.

BAD - The story gets a little too juvenile in spots. The PC-minded female character (rabbit) is overly feminist, to the point of irritation and the occult gets far too much credibility in this story. Also, there are a few sexual innuendos in here that adults would catch but, hopefully, not little kids.

OVERALL, a movie that appeals to adults and kids. Basketball fans will really enjoy it.