Space Jam

 3/4

Starring: Michael Jordan, Bugs Bunny, Wayne Knight, Theresa Randle, and the voice of Danny DeVito

Rated PG for Some Mild Cartoon Language

"Space Jam" is very much a movie of its time.  Not least because Michael Jordan has long since retired and neither he nor the other NBA stars that appear in the movie have been relevant for 20 years.  Nor are the Looney Tunes, for that matter.  So without star power driving the film, what's left?  A 90 minute piece of fluff.  It's good fluff, at least.

Michael Jordan has just retired from basketball, and has just decided to give baseball a try.  It doesn't go well.  As he's struggling with his new sport, trouble is brewing with the Looney Tunes.  Their demented existence is disrupted when an amusement park magnate, Mr. Swackhammer (DeVito), decides that his theme park needs new attractions.  He sends his minions, the Nerdlings, to capture the Looney Tunes for his park.  Bugs and company don't come easy, and seeing their diminutive size, challenge them to a winner-takes-all basketball game.  To even the odds, the Nerdlings steal the talent of NBA players like Patrick Ewing, Charles Barkley and Muggsy Bogues.  Now the tiny Nerdlings are the monstrous Monstars.  The Tunes realize they need help, so they kidnap His Airness for the game.

I remember being charmed and highly entertained by this movie when I was a kid.  Watching it again as an adult, I realize just how thin the movie is.  Granted, a movie like this isn't something that needs depth or a strong story, but without some meat on the bones the film feels less like a film and more like a commercial.  Not surprising since director Joe Pytka is a commercial veteran.

It is surprising to say this, but the best thing the movie has going for it is Jordan.  I won't call him a great actor, but he is handsome and charismatic.  Jordan is at ease in front of the camera, displaying no awkwardness or discomfort with his dialogue.  It's a problem that often occurs when non-actors step in front of the camera for the first time, but Jordan is in his element.  He has a natural charm and confidence that makes an effective anchor for the film amid the silliness.  The Looney Tunes do their stuff, although the writing isn't as sharp or witty as in many of the cartoons.  The voice talent is top notch; you'd swear that Mel Blanc has come back from the grave.

Is nostalgia clouding my judgement?  I'm not sure.  There are some flat moments to be sure.  Some bits, such as the NBA stars in therapy to tryout and regain their talent, feel like missed opportunities.  And the film's veneration of Jordan goes way beyond hero worship to the point where it is distracting.  On the other hand, there are some clever bits.  There's a funny parody of "Reservoir Dogs" and a hilarious discussion about merchandising.

Maybe my childhood memories are dissuading me from being as harsh on this film as perhaps I should be.  But the film is far from painless, especially because it's only 89 minutes long.  And any time you spend with Bugs and Co is time well spent in my book.

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