This week, after 25 years, basketball and Looney Tunes fans alike were treated to the long anticipated sequel to Space Jam. Space Jam: A New Legacy stars Lakers superstar LeBron James, and Cedric Joe as Dom James, as they both prepare for a father vs. son basketball game in the Warner 3000 Server-Verse. With an already strained relationship between the two, it’s easier than ever for antagonist Al-G Rhythm (played by Don Cheadle) to influence Dom into opposition against his father, leaving LeBron to reunite the Toon Squad in an effort to save his son.
As someone who hadn’t watched the original Space Jam until recently, I wasn’t blinded with nostalgia for the original and my expectations for a good sequel were very low. I credit most of my pessimism to the trailer for A New Legacy, which showcased hyper-realistic versions of the Looney Tunes and flooded the screens with overwhelming references to other Warner Brothers’ Intellectual Property. By the end of the film, I can say that most of my fears were misguided, and this is a rare instance of a sequel surpassing its predecessor. Technological advancements have aided the animation element in A New Legacy, and centred the film in a virtual wonderland, which is a visual spectacle to watch, but also keeps the magic of old Looney Tunes cartoons.
Space Jam: A New Legacy has all the best elements of a family film. The film is heartwarming and has an inspirational message for kids finding their passion, but is so much fun for adults too. Basketball fans of any age will love seeing LeBron cartoonified, as well as other NBA and WNBA stars making cameo appearances. Of course, it’s almost impossible for kids and adults alike not to have fun with the Looney Tunes. The goofy animation and wild personalities provides ample entertainment for younger crowds, and might even bring about a new generation of Looney Tunes fans (I can only hope). For adults, the timeless, nostalgic joy of seeing Bugs, Daffy and co’s familiar faces on screen is enough to make a two hour runtime worth it. Special mention goes to the use of Warner Brothers’ extensive intellectual property database, which is (tastefully) used throughout the film to add context and intricacy to the Warner 3000 Server-Verse. From Harry Potter to Casablanca, there’s a lot of fun to be had recognising references to other WB property.
It wouldn’t be a Space Jam review without talking basketball. Admittedly, I’m not an expert on the subject at the best of times. Thankfully, you don’t need to be a super fan to understand or even enjoy the basketball elements in A New Legacy. There’s a lot of creative licence given to the basketball in A New Legacy, it’s basketball, but not as you know it. I think this is a smart choice, and has widened the margin for Space Jam’s audience. It’ll appease basketball fans, but keep non-basketball fans entertained nonetheless.
Overall Space Jam: A New Legacy is a worthy sequel to the original. Tons of fun to watch, and enough entertainment for kids and adults alike. With a two hour runtime, it sits on the longer end of family films, but it’s paced well enough that you hardly even notice.
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