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 (as 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:

year 1973 | micheal jordan character | baseball ball | bowling ball | volleyball ball | 

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Taglines:

Get ready to jam

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Genres:

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

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for some mild cartoon language

Did You Know?

Trivia

Paul Julian's last film released over a year after his death in 1995. He voiced the Road Runner, but went uncredited.

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Goofs

Daffy is a duck, and ducks don't dig tunnels. When he and Bugs are getting Jordan's UNC shorts, Bugs leads Daffy to the house in a tunnel, but when they disagree about which way to go in, Daffy tunnels to the back door by himself.

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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

Due to time restrictions for some channels, the Stan Polodak deflation scene was shortened and skips a scene of Stan falling down on the stretcher and being taken away from the basketball game due to terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. In addition, the post-credits scene was edited out in order for the next program to start on time.

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Connections

Referenced in The Cinema Snob: Caddyshack II (2014)

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Soundtracks

That's The Way (I Like It)
Written by Harry Wayne Casey (as Harry W. Casey) and Richard Finch
Produced by Danny Kortchmar and Peter Dannenberg
Performed by Spin Doctors (as Spin Doctors) featuring Biz Markie
Spin Doctors appear courtesy of Epic Records
Biz Markie appears courtesy of Cold Chillin'/Epic Records
By arrangement with Sony Music Licensing

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.

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

Gross USA:

$90,418,342

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$230,418,342

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) Dolby Digital (2001 Re-Release) SDDS (2001 Re-Release) DTS (Digital DTS Sound) (2001 Re-Release)

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1