Space Jam: A New Legacy is a cutting-edge, sequel film in which the cartoon world and the real world combine for a high-stakes game of basketball. Director Malcolm D. Lee portrays Lebron James as a great basketball player, father, and man in the community, but somehow still flawed.

In comparison to the original Space Jam, starring Michael Jordan, this film has more of a futuristic feel to it and the players work together with the tune squad in different ways. The old movie focuses more on basketball while the new one targets more of a life lesson type of theme. To live life and have fun is one theme in the movie and they truly try to emphasize the importance of fun. As the movie progresses we also learn the meaning of making our own choices, and being ourselves.

As mentioned, a big factor in the movie is learning to have fun. This is stressed mainly with James, who is seen as taking life to seriously, and the focus is on letting him enjoy life more. While training for his basketball camp, James’ son discovers a new thing he enjoys – coding video games. James wants him to stay with his specialty: basketball. This conflict leaves them both upset with each other. 

Keeping the classic feel of the original, the outmanned star player going against his son joins Bugs Bunny and the Tune Squad in an attempt to defeat the far more talented team. In attempting to do so, both father and son learn valuable lessons while playing and the tune squad ends up winning the game with teamwork. Not to mention the incredible star power in both with actors and athletes such as Michael B Jordan, Don Cheadle, and Anthony Davis.

Although it is exciting to see stars such as James and Davis in a different spotlight, the movie isn’t nearly as good as it could’ve been. For starters, being a kid movie, it isn’t exactly supposed to make sense but the number of holes in the plot is absurd. This movie falls short of the original in almost all measurable ways. The acting was poor, rated 80% on Rotten Tomatoes, which is far too generous. James’ basketball ability is great, but his acting is laughable. The movie seemed to be thrown together last minute and it’s one to watch only in a last resort type of form.

Grade: D