If any movie was a strong representation of the mid-90s, it has to be Space Jam. The film is one of the only examples of a commercial spawning a major motion picture with extreme success. This all started from a commercial back in 1992 involving Bugs and Michael Jordan, which was an ad for Nike.
The original director of that advertisement produced a motion picture that works better than it should – and for most kids from that era, it remains a classic. And despite the coronavirus outbreak, Lebron James himself states Space Jam 2 will in fact stay on schedule for its June 2021 release. With this in mind, we have decided to take a look back at what worked and what did not work in the 1996 Space Jam.
Here are five things that need to return and five things that can be left behind from the original Space Jam.
Return: The Killer Soundtrack
Just like the film is a strong representation of commercialism in the ’90s, the same can be said about the soundtrack for Space Jam. Just a glance at the heavy-hitters on the soundtrack will immediately transport you back to a simpler time where MTV actually played music. This soundtrack included Quad City DJs, Coolio, Salt-N-Peppa, Monica, and Seal, names we have not heard in a long time.
When the sequel is released, it would be great to see the filmmakers embrace the musical landscape of today as well. Maybe give rockstar champs like Eminem, Drake, and R&B juggernauts like The Weeknd and Bruno Mars a phone call.
Leave Behind: I Believe I Can Fly
Space Jam landed into viewers’ hearts with a bang, but all these years later, the fact that R. Kelly’s “I Believe I Can Fly” opens the film is a pause-worthy moment for any fan of this childhood classic. Back in its release, the track gave the film an uplifting tone but now, well, the song hasn’t aged properly because of obvious factors.
Given what Kelly stands accused of, if Space Jam 2 is going to be a fan favorite, producers may want to change up the soundtrack a little, and find a different signature song that does not have the shadow of R. Kelly. At the very least get a new artist to perform a new rendition of the famous track.
Return: Michael Jordan
No offense to Lebron James, but it’s difficult to see how he can match the charm, charisma, and commercial power of Michael Jordan. And if he has to carry a Space Jam sequel, he’s going to need help. And who better than Jordan himself?
Plus, having a Space Jam sequel without at least a Jordan cameo is like having a sequel to The Mask without Jim Carrey – and look how that turned out. And with Jordan being retired and only known lately for “Crying Jordan” memes, it’s time for the legend to make a grand return to the spotlight.
Leave Behind: Newman And Fart Jokes
Not to take a swing at Wayne Knight because the man has always been a treasure in properties like Jurassic Park as well as Seinfeld. That said, his character of Stan Podolak wears thin almost as soon as he is introduced.
His bumbling clumsy schtick is predictably boring and eventually leads to an explosive fart joke that everyone – including children – can see coming. This is not Knight’s fault at all but the writing itself that decided to go for a cheap laugh. Children and Wayne Knight deserve better than cheap fart jokes in the sequel.
Return: Bill Murray Cameo
One thing that made Space Jam a cult classic was the cameo of a comedic favorite, Bill Murray. If a second Space Jam is attempted, another appearance by Bill Murray is a must. Just like his Zombieland appearance, a little Murray is the cherry on top of any flavorful comedic treat, especially ones with the Looney Tunes.
Fans need to hear him beg one more time to be put in the game, even if it means other superstars have to lose their talents. No Space Jam remix would be complete without Murray’s trademark humor. Space Jam would not be nearly as appealing were it not for Murray playing at being one of the athletic big boys.
Leave Behind: The Fake Families
One of the aspects that may or may not have hindered one’s viewing of Space Jam if rewatching as a grown-up is the distractingly obvious casting of Michael Jordan’s family. It’s a nitpick but most viewers watching undoubtedly realize Theresa Randle is not Michael Jordan’s wife.
Even the child actors who play Jordan’s kids in the film were not his real children, and for some, it can pull one out of the experience – albeit briefly. For the sequel, a nice touch would be to bring in some real-life members of Lebron’s circle to add to the idea that the Looney Tunes are truly invading the real world.
Return: The Heart of Looney Tunes
While Chuck Jones had his own qualms and complaints about Space Jam labeling the depiction of Bugs Bunny as “crass,” the film itself is the closest to the original slapstick nature of the Looney Tunes property anyone might see again. Especially when considering the sad sitcom reboot Cartoon Network attempted back in the early 2010s.
If a sequel is to be unleashed upon us – which it will – then the writers need to pull from the heart and soul of these characters and binge the Tex Avery and Chuck Jones archive. Bring back the whacky shenanigans of the original cartoons which were considerably obvious in the first film.
Leave Behind: The Arousal Jokes
Just like most things as a child, adult humor in kids’ movies is not easily understood until a certain age. Such is the case for the sexual tension between Bugs and Lola Bunny.
This is not to say old animated cartoons did not have undertones of sexualism in the past. They absolutely did. But in a post #MeToo world, watching Bugs Bunny’s entire body become stiff as a board after Lola kisses him doesn’t digest well in 2020. This being said, the filmmakers should absolutely bring back Lola Bunny and have her be an empowering character instead of an object of lust for Bugs.
Return: The Tiny Aliens From Moron Mountain
Space Jam had a lot of endearing qualities and a strong array of throwback characters in its basketball roster. But one cannot think of Space Jam without remembering the tiny alien invaders from Moron Mountain who later became the MonStars.
The end of the first movie implied the small moronic creatures wanted to stay in the land of Looney Tunes and them begging Bugs and crew to do so. Plus, how does one make a Space Jam sequel without these space creatures? Bring back the MonStars as they face-off against the new villain – said to be played by Don Cheadle.
Leave Behind: Basketball Players Who Cannot Act
Let’s be honest, no one went to see Space Jam expecting Oscar level acting abilities. And Michael Jordan played his role as well as one could expect for a film inspired by a commercial. In fact, one can argue Jordan knows exactly what movie he is in from start-to-finish.
That said, basketball stars like Patrick Ewing, Charles Barkley, Muggsy Bogues, and others were extremely out of their league trying to act in the original. For the sequel, director Malcolm D. Lee needs to vet the athletes before throwing them onscreen. Just look at Kevin Garnett in Uncut Gems. Maybe he would be up for a role in the anticipated sequel.
