Space Jam Adoption Movie Review

The evil alien theme park owner, Mr. Swackhammer, is concerned about the declining popularity of his park, Moron Mountain. He sends a group of goons to Earth to capture the Looney Tunes, hoping to use Bugs Bunny and his friends as the park’s new attractions. The Looney Tunes are on the point of surrender, but then challenge the aliens to a basketball game to decide their fate. The aliens steal the skills of several NBA Players, but the Looney Tunes enlist the help of Michael Jordan. Will the good guys be taken captive, or will Mr. Swackhammer’s evil plans be thwarted?

Originally released in 1996, Fathom Events brings Space Jam back to theaters for one more night, Wednesday November 16, to celebrate its 20^th anniversary. You can get tickets here: http://fathomevents.com/event/space-jam

The Adoption Connection

There isn’t an adoption element to the story. Michael Jordan’s father has passed away, and to honor his father, he has switched his career from basketball to baseball; Michael’s father had been a baseball player in his younger days. Michael’s grief at the loss of his father is unexplored, so there doesn’t seem likely to be an emotional connection here, even for kids who grieve the loss of a parent.

Strong Points

The Looney Tunes use cleverness and help from others to escape a difficult situation.

Parents who liked this movie as children might enjoy sharing it on the big screen with their kids.

A young Michael Jordan has a conversation with his very supportive and encouraging dad.

Some characters learn that they don’t have to take abuse from their boss any more.

Michael Jordan takes a brave risk to save his friends.

Challenges

I’m surprised at how violent some of the Looney Tunes cartoons are. It never struck me as a kid, but it does now.

Some characters are held at gunpoint.  

Weak Points

Lola Bunny seems a bit oversexualized.A woman makes a comment about what a person next to her is "doing in his raincoat."

When Mr. Swackhammer is detailing his dreams for the future, we see a silhouetted version of 

Michael Jordan, kept in captivity, locked down with chains.

Recommendations

Space Jam is a light, fun, but quite dated 90’s film. It has cartoon-style violence, but should be interesting to many kids 6-10 or so. If it’s a trip down memory lane for you, it could be fun to share with your kids, and it does provide the opportunity to talk about missing a parent, dealing with bullies, being brave, and enjoying sports. If it’s not a film you loved as a kid, it’ll probably feel pretty dated now. If you want to see it in theaters, Fathom Events is bringing it back to the big screen for one day on Wednesday, November 16.

Questions for Discussion

What sports do you like to play? Are there any that you’d like to try?

Have you ever had a friend or someone else who said mean things to you?  

What’s the bravest thing you’ve ever done?

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