Space Jam Movie Review

Space Jam (1996)

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Written by: Leo Benvenuti & Steve Rudnick and Timothy Harris & Herschel Weingrod
Directed by: Joe Pytka
Starring: Michael Jordan, Billy West, Wayne Knight, Theresa Randle, Danny DeVito, Charles Barkley, Muggsy Bogues, Shawn Bradley, Patrick Ewing, Larry Johnson 
Rated: PG
Watch the trailer

Plot
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.

Verdict
There's not a lot of depth to it, but it's a fun enough kids movie that marries the most famous athlete with popular cartoons in an inventive contest fighting monsters for their futures. Jordan does better than you might expect, having an easier time playing himself. For what this is, it does a more than adequate job.
It depends.

Review
Just a few minutes in, it seems like a movie expressly made to capitalize one one of the most famous people at the time, Michael Jordan. An introductory scene sets up his life goals in basketball, and this even capitalizes on his brief stint in minor league baseball.

The Monstars and Michael Jordan

An outer space amusement park owner needs a new attraction and wants the Looney Tunes. The owner dispatches his group of minions to abduct the Tunes, but Bugs Bunny tricks them into a challenge that ends up being basketball. Due to their diminutive size, Bugs assumed that would be an easy way to ensure the Tunes and his freedom. Instead the aliens steal the abilities of the best NBA players, including Charles Barkley, Muggsy Bogues, Shawn Bradley, Patrick Ewing, and Larry Johnson. With NBA caliber ability, the aliens transform into the imposing and giant "Monstars." That's when the Tunes decide to recruit baseball player Michael Jordan.

The Tunes and Michael Jordan

Jordan is reluctant to help but agrees after seeing the Monstars in person. The game doesn't look promising for the Tunes due to the Monstars immense talent and size. Bugs manages to dupe his team and give them confidence to stage a short lived comeback.

Of course Jordan and the Tunes win, restoring the ability of the NBA players and saving the Tunes from being seized. In conjunction with his real life exploits, Michael Jordan returns to basketball to dominate yet again.