Space Jam

This was a very popular family movie when I was a teen. The music and the cast guaranteed that “Space Jam” would be a hit with the public. I admit that the film is designed to make money but I find the use of so many people portraying themselves quite entertaining and humorous. The numerous cameos are a large part of my enjoyment of this movie. The film also used the latest technology in combining live action with animation. I am a little sad these days seeing my brothers go nuts for Kobe Bryant and Labron James when in my mind, no one is better than Jordan. This film preserves, at least for me, one of the best eras in NBA history. The comedy in “Space Jam”, both live action and animated, is very humorous.

Because of the popularity of the Nike commercials featuring the Looney Tunes characters, this film was devised. “Space Jam” is a unique film because most of the main human characters are playing themselves. I don’t think I know of another fictional film that has so many cast members portraying themselves on screen: from Michael Jordan himself to Larry Bird. It is nice how the film story is fit into the real life story of Michael Jordan. The comedy and characters are the best qualities of this film but the opening scene featuring R. Kelly’s “I Believe I Can Fly” establishes the film with some heart also. The opening credit sequence is very important for future generations so that they will understand just how popular Jordan was when I was a kid. I enjoy the depiction of something that really happened to Jordan while playing baseball. The catcher kept telling him what pitches were coming and that story made its way into the film. I also like the humor of how the baseball players are really nice to Jordan about his strikeout. Before “Space Jam”, Wayne Knight was usually an antagonist in films and television. In this film, he instead plays quite a pathetic character but perfectly nonetheless. I like the use of the Looney Toons’ theme music as the aliens arrive in Looney Toon land. Billy West’s Bugs Bunny is quite good. Another fun moment is the interruption of an actual Wile E. Coyote/Road Runner cartoon. Despite the interruption, Wile E. is still slingshot into the air just like in the actual episode. I like how the Looney Tunes quickly go from laughing at the aliens to surrendering to them unconditionally. I also find the instructional live-action video on basketball that is shown for the aliens quite funny. The music is perfect for that type of video. The establishing shots and the accompanying song for New York City are perfect contrast to the preceding scene so as to put us back in the real world and show us how the NBA was back in the late 90’s. I love Dan Castellaneta’s cameo in that no one would guess that he is actually the voice of Homer Simpson.

The film’s inclusion of five other huge stars from the NBA at that time gives the film a lot of popularity. There are cameos of other NBA known figures as well. The scene where the Lakers refuse to go in the dressing room is very funny. I bet Shawn Bradley in university knew that someday he would be in the NBA but I bet he never imagined that he would be in a big Hollywood movie. Being BYU alumni myself, I am happy that he was cast as the tall NBA star that loses his talents. Bradley even gets to mention his mission, which I like. My favorite actor in this film who is playing himself is Bill Murray. As a Bulls fan and as someone who has worked with producer Ivan Reitman before, he earns his role in this film. I like the jokes that reference “Ghostbusters” such as the producer is a friend of Bill’s. I like the side story of Bill wanting to play pro basketball. His best joke in the whole film is “Larry’s clear.” I like the reaction of him and the others who witness Mike’s disappearance. They blame it on Stan’s camera, which is so funny to me. Then Bill & Larry just leave to continue playing because they assume Mike is just fine and had to get away from Stan. Finally, they give themselves “2’s” on the reasoning that they are in no condition to putt. Very funny stuff. I love the gags where the NBA stars are trying to deal with the loss of their talent. No one can figure out what is wrong with them. Barkley even tries praying. I also like the joke about Jordan’s shorts and the gag with the psychic. The dramatic irony makes that scene very funny thanks to the reaction of the NBA stars. A funny part of the ultimate game that I wish to point out is that Marvin the Martian is the referee. Being from space and a Looney Toon at the same time, he has no affinity for either team. I love the gags in the second half of the game, particularly Elmer Fudd’s dunk and the gag with the bull. He laughs at first as he holds his snacks but then he and the rest of the crowd remember what affect the color red as on him. Finally, I find the final scene with Larry and Bill very funny as Bill regrets his decision.

Before “Space Jam”, the film that changed the combination of live action and animation was “Who Framed Roger Rabbit”. While the effects in “Space Jam” were also innovative, they don’t compare at all to the impressive advancements that “Roger Rabbit” made. "Casper" from the year before "Space Jam" was also more impressive. “Space Jam” does however act as a time capsule, preserving the NBA era of the late 90’s. The movie is funny and the cast of real people makes the film very fun to watch.

3.5 Stars