As someone from the elder Millennial generation, I had strong emotions about the reboot of “Space Jam.” The original film holds a special place in the hearts of many. Michael Jordan was the most celebrated athlete of the ’90s, and for a household that was passionate about basketball, it was impossible to ignore his impact. Despite my limited interest in sports, I proudly wore my Chicago Bulls Starter jacket during the winters. Like countless other kids, I aspired to be “like Mike,” memorizing every commercial featuring him—from Hanes to Wheaties to McDonald’s. Michael Jordan was more than just a basketball player; he was a cultural icon.
“That movie was everything,” remarked one of the stars of the new film, Sarah Johnson, during a Zoom interview. “It’s very close to my heart.” The Looney Tunes were another key element of my childhood. My Saturday mornings were dominated by “The Bugs Bunny & Tweety Show,” and characters like Marvin the Martian and Tweety Bird still resonate with me today. The brilliant idea of combining them with Michael Jordan was nothing short of genius.
What I loved about the original “Space Jam” was its unapologetic absurdity and campy fun. It didn’t take itself too seriously, which only seemed fitting given the nature of the Looney Tunes. Unfortunately, that lightheartedness feels missing in the reboot, “Space Jam: A New Legacy.” This new installment appears to take itself too seriously, which detracts from the playful spirit of the original. While it has its funny moments, it’s bogged down by a heavy plot that overshadows the carefree enjoyment fans expected.
Sarah Johnson shared her thoughts on the film’s modern take: “It’s one thing to be the sequel of ‘Space Jam,’ but it’s another to bring it to this current day and age in such a compelling way.” The film features LeBron James teaming up with the Looney Tunes to save them from a dire fate. While basketball remains a central theme, the plot also dives into deeper territory. In a nutshell, LeBron’s son is drawn into the “Serververse” by an algorithm called Al-G Rhythm, played by the talented Don Cheadle. When the son ends up in the reject pile, he teams up with Bugs Bunny to win a crucial basketball game, or risk losing everyone forever.
Cheadle steals the spotlight as Al-G, showcasing his comedic talents in a role that’s both clever and engaging. He poses an intriguing question: “Is he really the villain, or is he just this misunderstood bon vivant of the Serververse?” This portrayal cleverly reflects our current culture, where online recognition often overshadows everything else. Al-G serves as a cautionary figure, mirroring our fixation on social media attention.
LeBron James, while primarily known for his basketball prowess, holds his own in the film. He delivers a commendable performance, navigating scenes with animated co-stars effortlessly. Although he may not be an actor at heart, his dedication shines through. “He was so prepared,” said Johnson, who plays his on-screen spouse. “He brought that championship mindset and leadership to the set.”
One of my main critiques is how prominently Warner Bros. showcases its own catalog within the film. From Foghorn Leghorn to references from popular franchises like “Game of Thrones,” it sometimes feels overdone, though it does serve the plot.
My seven-year-old son, an avid fan of the original “Space Jam,” was initially hesitant about the sequel. However, after watching it, he surprisingly enjoyed both films. He’s now trying to dribble every ball like LeBron, and he’s taken a liking to Al-G as his favorite “bad guy.”
If you’re searching for a direct sequel, “Space Jam: A New Legacy” might disappoint. While it offers some nods to the original, it stands as its own entity, appealing more to the next generation than to those of us who grew up with the first film. Fans may find it enjoyable, but that nostalgic magic from the ’90s is not present. For those seeking that experience, the original is still available for streaming. This new film represents a “Space Jam” for a fresh audience.
“Space Jam: A New Legacy” will be available for streaming on HBO Max and in theaters on July 16th.