#68: Space Jam (1996)

Director: Joe Pytka
Starring: Michael Jordan, Wayne Knight and Bill Murray
Plot: “Michael Jordan agrees to help the Looney Toons play a basketball game vs. alien slavers to determine their freedom.”
Stock: Holding
Previous Ranking: #64

“Larry’s not white. Larry’s clear.”

Some of you will look at this selection and simply credit it to Michael Jordan starring in it. You will say the only reason it’s here is because MJ is around. And to all of you out there who are saying these things here is my response …

You are absolutely correct.

One of my favorite what-if scenarios is to play the “alien game.” The alien game is when you hypothetically assume aliens are about to take over Earth but they give you an opportunity to play them in some sort of game. Whether it be basketball, golf, tennis, etc. If you got to pick anyone from Planet Earth to defend the world, who would you take?? A couple years ago you would have picked Tiger Woods in golf and Roger Federer in tennis. Well, twenty years ago you would have taken Michael Jordan in basketball, which is exactly what Bugs Bunny did.

This is a good – not great – film. It’s kind of funny, has a solid soundtrack and is relatively fast-paced. But if Michael Jordan wasn’t in it, it’s definitely not near this list.

One last thing, big props to Bill Murray for an excellent cameo appearance. He has without a doubt the funniest lines in the entire film.

UPDATE

Not much to update here. That original posting from 2011 perfectly encapsulates my thoughts and feelings on Space Jam.

Good luck following that LeBron.

Fun Fact: The movie’s original promotional website can still be found online, exactly as it appeared in 1996.

Hint for #67: The best time of the year to view this movie is right before Spring Training begins.

Peace Be The Journey