SPACE JAM (1996) 
RATING: 
By Shawn McKenna
Date Reviewed: November 12, 1997
Disney generally has control of the animated movie market. Once in a while Warner Brothers can come up with a hit that will break through the Disney Monopoly. Space Jam is that type of movie. There are constant sly put-downs on Disney such as Moron Mountain (Space Mountain) and a jab at the Mighty Ducks. Space Jam is a clever blend between animation and live-action.
In this vehicle, Michael Jordan plays himself. He is good at it. He has a charisma that is lost on many sport talents that cross over into the movie market. In this movie, Michael had just retired from basketball and was starting a new career as a baseball player. He is not very good. The fans are still in awe of him even if the media is critical.
In a parallel animated universe, Swackhammer, who runs an intergalactic amusement park, has kidnapped several "toons" for his show. They can gain their freedom back if they win the nerdluck "monstars" in a basketball game. However, the nerlucks suck up talent from Charles Barkley, Larry Johnson (even makes a granny joke in this movie), Patrick Ewing, Shawn Bradley (the tallest b-ball player in the NBA), and Mugsy B. (the shortest basketball player in the NBA at 5'3".) This leaves these five with no talent and psychological problems. The toons kidnap Michael Jordan.
The ending is a given. It is how you get there that is the fun part. Wayne Knight (Jurrasic Park, Seinfeld) has a funny supporting role as Michael's advisor. Bill Murray (in another unbilled role) is funny as himself. Michael Jordan is great in his debut. The animation and character interaction works. And this is a good family movie. It is entertaining for both kids and adults.
SPACE JAM (1996)
| Michael Jordan | Michael Jordan | | Stan Podolak | Wayne Knight | | Juanita Jordan | Therea Randle |
| Bugs Bunny | Billy West |
| Swackhammer's voice | Danny DeVito |
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| Director: | Joe Pythka |
| Producer: | Ivan Reitman |
| Animation Directors: | Bruce Smith
Tony Cervone |
| Written By: | Steve Rudnick
Leo Benvenuti
Timothy Harris
Herschel Weingrod |
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| | Running Time: | 87m. | | Rated: | PG (for mild language) | | Genre: | cartoon/family/sports | | Country: | country | | Widescreen: | |
Other Critics: Roger Eberts Rating
***½
Awards, Facts, and Oddities Joe Pytha has directed Jordan in commercials before.
Also stars basketball players: Larry Bird, Shawn Bradley, Mugsy B., Larry Johnson, Patrick Ewing, Charles Barkley.
Unbilled actor (again): Bill Murray.
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