When I hear Space Jam, I think of the 1996 film, the nostalgic memories of being a kid in the early 2000’s and the first time seeing this film. When the news came out about a new 2021 Space Jam film, many of us had questions like would Michael Jordan would star in the new film. But instead, the new star of the film would be Jordan’s rival in the sport’s GOAT debate, Lebron James. Would this new film live up to the original, or would it be a fail? Many debates have arisen regarding the two films.
All about Space Jam
Space Jam is a live-action and animated movie directed by Joe Pytka. This film is a crossover of childhood memories bringing The Tunes to life, but in a unique way, in a way that would mark many of our lives with one of the most well-known basketball players that many today would debate is the GOAT, Michael Jordan. In the film, Michael Jordan is faced with challenges as well as personal challenges while filming, as he had to learn acting as well as learning to interact with cartoon characters by using his imagination. Through his great imagination, we have a film that is iconic and a part of many of our childhoods and creating a cultural phenomenon and box-office success.
The Plot
In Space Jam the plot of the movie begins when Mr.Swackhammer corporate executive of Moron Mountain amusement park begins to fail. When he has had enough of losing profits, he decides that it is time for a new attraction, which he comes across the Tune’s when he angrily clicks through channels. This sparks an idea for Mr.Swackhammer to send aliens known as The Nerdlucks to kidnap the Looney Tunes to convert them into his amusement park attraction, but this would not be an easy challenge. Bugs Bunny then sees an opportunity to propose a basketball game, which he believed would be an easy challenge for them, as the aliens were tiny. But little did he know that the Nerdlucks would take matters into their own hands by stealing the talents of the best basketball player from the human world and becoming the Monstars. The now terrified tunes with no basketball skills an afraid of what Mr.Swackhammer would do to them. Bugs come up with a plan. Bugs with a brilliant idea to kidnap one of the best basketball players, Michael Jordan, to try and convince him to coach them and become part of the Tune Squad.
All about Space Jam: A New Legacy
In the new film Space Jam: A New Legacy, directed by Malcolm D. Lee, we see a new approach to this movie, bringing a new and updated version of Space Jam, but this time
starring LeBron James. This new film gives us an approach to new and fresh ideas while keeping the same concept from the original film.
The Plot
In Space Jam: A New Legacy, the plot begins when Dom, LeBron’s son, does not feel seen by his dad, as his interests are completely different from what he wants. Dom is a very passionate kid who loves programming, creating his game “Dom’s ball,” a basketball game which he puts his own special touch on. On one occasion Dom and LeBron have a discussion about what how he feels these then leads Dom to go into an online server where he is met by AI G. Rhythm where he listens to him and offers him an opportunity, when LeBron goes to find his son, he is stopped by AI G. Rhythm where he is proposed that the only way to get him back is by playing a game of basketball. This game would not come easily as he is now faced with a new challenge, but that would not stop The Tune squad from trying their best and going head-to-head with The Goon Squad.
The Differences between the films
As someone who grew up watching Space Jam, hearing about a possible new remake was intriguing. But I had many questions: what would this new film look like? Would Michael Jordan be in the movie? Those are some of the many questions I had. When the new movie was finally released, my questions would be answered, seeing many changes, but would these changes contribute, or would they take away the nostalgia? Some of the changes that I noticed right away were the animations on the characters, the change of setting where the basketball game once took place would no longer be in the Tune Stadium. On top of that, there was a change of wardrobe from the iconic white uniform used in the 1996 film to a bright blue uniform to fit in with today’s aesthetic. Most importantly, the plot of the movie took a complete turn, leaving many fans disappointed as the special spark that Space Jam once had is now gone. These new changes would cause the audience to have mixed emotions and spark controversies about which movie is better. And where is Michael Jordan?
The Monstars vs The Goon Squad
One change that left many fans thinking, Why? Would be changing the villains from the movie, going from evil aliens also known as the Nerdlucks to virtually animated characters also known as The Goon Squad. But why is this change so impactful? This change left many of us questioning this choice as we no longer get the nostalgic feeling of seeing these aliens torment the Looney Tunes. In the new movie, we now get virtual characters that we typically see in video games, which this change to me at least, makes it feel like we’re watching something else rather than a Space Jam movie. The Nerdlucks are known for their well-developed personalities, which adds to the plot. From the beginning of the movie, we see that they have strong personalities, although they are tiny aliens to me, this adds to the nostalgic feeling, as they played a crucial part in this movie. Compared to the new space jam film The Goon squad characters also have their traits but don’t feel as developed throughout the movie we don’t see much of their personality and are not as interactive instead we see a character named AI G. Rhythm this character has a very well-developed personality which in this case he is a key piece in the film.
Looney Tunes Original vs remake
One key difference that many of us noticed when watching the new Space Jam film is the change in characters. In the first film, the animators who brought the tunes to life made sure to keep them as similar as the original tunes from 1947 when they created Looney Tunes shorts. In the new film, we saw a major change in characters, going from 2-D to 3-D animations. We also were able to see that the characters, once entering the server world created by Dom, looked very different as the artist used CG to bring the characters to life in the online server.
Animations
It is clear that the animations of both films are very different, in the fist film we see 2-D animations which if rewatching the movie today we could all agree that is a bit outdated compared to today’s technology but although it’s a bit outdated it still adds that special touch as it captures the classic cartoon aesthetic. In the second film, we see a new approach with 3-D animations fitting in with today’s technology, which allows the characters to be more detailed as well as the special effects. This adds improvement to their animation style and quality, captivating a new experience for the audience. This movie also adds a touch of CG, adding a unique touch to the film.
The animation quality in the films can easily be debated on which is better which would have to be given to Space Jam: A New Legacy as it creates more detailed characters as well as effects that provide a better experience compared to space jam, we see that the quality is a bit outdated in today’s world which many people would prefer to see good quality animations over outdated animations.
Soundtrack
When comparing the soundtracks of both Space Jam movies, we could truly say that they are both good. With each of them having their own touch, fitting the films and their time perfectly. We all know that Space Jam is known for its iconic song “Space Jam” by Quad City DJ, and many other 90s iconic songs like “I Believe I Can Fly” by R. Kelly. Many fans would say that their soundtrack is better, others would argue that Space Jam: A New Legacy has a better soundtrack with new and updated songs like “We Win” by Lil Baby & Kirk Franklin that add a fresh feeling for some. I would have to argue that both soundtracks are pretty good, which would all just have to come down to personal preference.
For many, growing up in the 90s and early 2000s would argue that Space Jam has a better soundtrack as this song has been part of their childhood, but others would say otherwise. I personally would say that they both have equally unique and enjoyable soundtracks, which I can see from both perspectives.
Cameos
In these movies, we were able to see cameos that brought excitement to many fans.
There is no doubt that watching your favorite basketball players and cartoon characters on screen together is sensational. Space Jam has some of the biggest stars from both sports and entertainment making special appearances. From Charles Barkley and Bill Murray to Larry Bird and Patrick Ewing. There's no doubt that Space Jam: A New Legacy had exciting cameos with a variety of characters to spot throughout the movie, from actor Michael B. Jordan to childhood characters like Tom and Jerry and The Iron Giant.
Both films did a phenomenal job when it came to capturing excitement from the audience. Making it more fun and entertaining when watching the film, as you try to spot all the famous actors who make unexpected appearances. Space Jam: A New Legacy did such an incredible job as it was exciting to me and many, seeing cartoon characters that were part of many of our childhoods make an appearance, making us remember fun times of our childhood when we would sit with our siblings and watch our favorite movies and cartoons. These cameos brought nostalgic memories, making the movie an experience that we won't forget anytime soon.
Which is Better
Both movies are great without a doubt, with both films giving their all to bring excitement to the audience. With both providing different ideas and targeting different audiences, and still create an impact on people’s lives. Space Jam from many has been impactful, having nostalgic memories of watching Michael Jordan and the Looney Tunes play in a basketball game, and although this would be impossible in real life, the idea of having a basketball player and cartoon characters just felt right. Continuing this sequence was exciting to hear about and see what new ideas would be brought up. Seeing a different approach from change in actors to cameos was a fresh feeling for some, and to new generations, it has been exciting seeing Lebron James as someone they look up to play basketball with the Looney Tunes.
Now that we have compared both movies, I can say that my favorite movie would have to be the classic Space Jam; its originality and nostalgia are hard to beat. Although the new film was created to bring new ideas and target a new audience, it has not had the same impact. In my opinion, I could say it lacks the spark that the original has and feels unoriginal. To me, it feels like they have simply changed the idea of what Space Jam is really about. Space Jam is a film that brings memories of being a child and having dreams like Michael Jordan of becoming someone in life, and that it could be possible even when it seems impossible, if we put our minds to it and work hard to achieve our goals. Like the tunes that had no skills when it came to basketball, but never gave up on each other and worked together as a team to achieve something. This is what Space Jam is about: it’s about working hard even when we may face challenges that may seem impossible, and never giving up.
Work Cited
Bros, Warner. “Dom Ball.” Warner Bros. Entertainment Wiki, Fandom, Inc., 2025, warnerbros.fandom.com/wiki/Dom_Ball. Accessed 11 Apr. 2025.
“Behind the Jam.” Www.spacejam.com, www.spacejam.com/1996/cmp/behind/techframes.html.
“Space Jam vs. Space Jam: A New Legacy - Which Movie Is Better?” ScreenRant, 21 July 2021, screenrant.com/space-jam-vs-new-legacy-movies-comparison-better/.
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