Space Jam
Movie, 1996, The '90s, Set in Michael Jordan and Moron Mountain
Space Jam is #7 of 18 in release order and #7 of 18 in chronological order in the Looney Tunes.
The story
With their freedom on the line, the Looney Tunes seek the help of NBA superstar Michael Jordan to win a basketball game against a team of moronic aliens.
Space Jam recap
Michael Jordan has retired from basketball to play baseball. In outer space, Mr. Swackhammer, owner of a failing amusement park called Moron Mountain, sends his tiny alien henchmen, the Nerdlucks, to kidnap the Looney Tunes as new attractions. Bugs Bunny talks them into deciding the matter with a basketball game, and the Nerdlucks steal the talent of five NBA players, including Charles Barkley and Patrick Ewing, becoming the giant Monstars. The Tunes pull Jordan down a golf hole into their world to lead the Tune Squad, along with Lola Bunny, a new character, and Jordan's assistant Stan. The Monstars dominate the first half, then Swackhammer raises the stakes: if the Tunes lose, Jordan becomes a prisoner at Moron Mountain. Joe Pytka directed the live-action and animated film, with Bill Murray as himself.
Space Jam ending explained
The Monstars knock out most of the Tune Squad, and Bill Murray joins to make up the numbers. In the final seconds Jordan stretches his arm across the court with cartoon physics for the winning dunk. Jordan points out that the Monstars only serve Swackhammer because they were small; they turn on him and launch him to the moon. The Nerdlucks return the stolen talent and stay with the Tunes, and Jordan returns to the NBA. Space Jam: A New Legacy followed in 2021.
Where to watch Space Jam
Space Jam is streaming on YouTube (free) and HBO Max in the US. You can rent or buy it on Amazon, Apple TV, and Google Play.
Ratings
IMDb 6.5/10, Rotten Tomatoes 46%
Where it fits
- Release order: after The Sylvester & Tweety Mysteries, before Baby Looney Tunes.
- Chronological order: after The Sylvester & Tweety Mysteries, before Baby Looney Tunes.
What to watch before Space Jam
In release order, the essentials before Space Jam (1996) are Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies (1930), The Bugs Bunny/Road Runner Hour (1968), The Bugs Bunny/Road Runner Movie (1979), Tiny Toon Adventures (1990), Taz-Mania (1991), and The Sylvester & Tweety Mysteries (1995).
Cast
- Michael Jordan as Michael Jordan
- Wayne Knight as Stan Podolak
- Theresa Randle as Juanita Jordan
- Manner Washington as Jeffery Jordan
- Eric Gordon as Marcus Jordan
- Penny Bae Bridges as Jasmine Jordan
- Brandon Hammond as Michael Jordan (10 Years Old)
- Larry Bird as Larry Bird
- Bill Murray as Bill Murray
- Thom Barry as James Jordan
- Charles Barkley as Charles Barkley
- Patrick Ewing as Patrick Ewing
Directed by Joe Pytka.