Space Jam
Movie, 1996, The '90s, Set in Michael Jordan and the Looney Tunes
Space Jam is #15 of 35 in release order and #15 of 35 in chronological order in the Sports Movies.
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 retires from basketball to play baseball. In space, Mr. Swackhammer, the owner of a failing amusement park, sends his small alien henchmen, the Nerdlucks, to kidnap the Looney Tunes as new attractions. Bugs Bunny bargains for a chance to win their freedom in a basketball game, so the Nerdlucks steal the talent of five NBA players and become the giant Monstars. The Tunes pull Jordan down a golf hole into their world, and he agrees to lead their team, the Tune Squad, with Bugs, Daffy, the newcomer Lola Bunny and others. His assistant Stan follows him down. Meanwhile, the NBA players who lost their skills cannot play. The Monstars crush the Tunes in the first half, until Bugs hands out a bottle of secret stuff, really just water, and the Tunes fight back with cartoon tricks. Jordan bets his own freedom against the stolen talent.
Space Jam ending explained
In the last seconds, Jordan stretches his arm across the court, cartoon style, to dunk the winning basket. The Monstars, freed from Swackhammer, send him to the moon, give back the talent and shrink back to the Nerdlucks, who stay with the Tunes. Jordan and Stan return to Earth, where Jordan gives the talent back to the NBA players, and he decides to return to basketball himself.
Post-credits scenes
No. There is no post-credits scene beyond the Looney Tunes "That's all folks" sign-off at the end of the credits.
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 Jerry Maguire, before Remember the Titans.
- Chronological order: after Jerry Maguire, before Remember the Titans.
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.