Double Dribble Lifestyle The Space Jam Legacy

When we put Michael Jordan’s original ‘Space Jam’ and LeBron James’ sequel head-to-head, we are compelled to consider: which one hits the game-winner and secures the victory in this cinematic one-on-one?

In the world of sports and especially cinema, it is often the case that the sequel fails to live up to the legacy of its predecessor. However, such is not the case for “Space Jams” as neither were critically received.

A quarter of a century remains separated between the two iterations, but the central premise of the story remains the same: a world famous NBA superstar must team up with Looney Tunes characters such as Bugs Bunny in a high-stake basketball game.

Pros:

Original Space Jam: The 1996 classic “Space Jam” embraced its erratic and zany nature at heart as well as utilizing its unique sense of humor and story to create a film that delighted audiences worldwide. Even though it received a “rotten” score from film critics ranking at 44%, it nevertheless became a beloved sports film and comedy for years to come, particularly amongst the younger viewers.

The animation of the film at the time was vastly underrated in my eyes, I remember rewatching it and applauding how effortlessly the film holds up to today’s standards. Don’t get me wrong, there are without a doubt instances where it could be improved, but for a 1996 film, they did a great job.

Space Jam: A New Legacy: The sequel, while not as good as the first, brought a unique and new utilization of sports in movies as well as revolutionizing the use of a single company’s vault of intellectual properties in a single film. We see the use of properties such as “Game of Thrones”, DC, “Rick and Morty” and so on. It was clear that this film prioritized cultural aspects at their disposal to appeal to audiences of all ages. This was definitely overdone, but I enjoyed it more than I disliked it.

In this film, LeBron James goes against an AI who will not release his son unless he wins in a basketball game. This narrative brings a new dynamic to the “Space Jam” legacy as it introduces a family narrative into the story. I personally prefer the first film. However, I do like the incentivization of playing for one’s family. It makes us root for the main character even more.

Cons:

Original Space Jam: The main criticism and negative that this film is responsible for is its thin plot. This was a film in which movie critics did not hold back stating it contained a commercialized nature while also establishing a weak narrative.

Space Jam: A New Legacy: This film received much harsher criticisms than its predecessor, in which it received a 37% from movie critics. It was often criticized for utilizing Warner Bros’ vault of intellectual property in way too high a volume. As previously stated, I agree it may have been a bit overdone. Critics found the product placement to be shameless and excessively blatant. This, combined with an overemphasis on showcasing Warner Bros.’ IP, contributed to a viewing experience that some critics found hard to sit through.

Conclusion: entertainment.ed@ocolly.com

In conclusion, while both “Space Jams” were able to dunk their ways into the hearts of viewers, both of the films airballed in regards to critics. Nonetheless, both of the installments in the “Space Jam” franchise are enjoyable watches as well as films that will be watched for years and years to come.