The original Space Jam was a childhood classic for me, as it will be for many others of my generation. Twenty years later, a sequel was never likely to trouble the Oscar committee, but moreover, I was actively offended by parts of it, which only happens once in a blue moon.
In most ways the film itself isn't any more or less poor than many other modern cookie-cutter family films or blockbusters designed to be an easy ride and be forgotten 5 mins after it is finished. But in some ways it is entirely pointless and totally all over the place - there was way too much crammed in, and as for LeBron James, he's not terrible, just weak as an actor. Loads of films I've seen are poorly written, acted, shot etc but that's forgivable, especially if they're simply entertaining.
All this is forgivable in fairness, the fact that it has next to no technical quality or skill to show is common-place these days. The real issue with it is harder to articulate. This film was actively problematic for me, the main reason I found it offensive (other than it just being poorly done) is it tried to pay homage to all of these classic films but it was so catastrophically misjudged it ended up taking away from itself as opposed to adding to the legacy of anything else. I found the many references were often lighthearted and not loving, ranging from cringey to awfully sacrilegious. It felt as if it was made by people who have no respect for cinema - or even were actively trying to detract from the power of film history. Of course this isn't the case, but it begs the question, why does a studio the size and quality of Warner Brothers allow thier sizeable back-catalog to be trivialised so disrespectfully. I'm sure most casual film goers wouldn't feel this way, but I hope I'm not the only film fan that does.
The first one may not have been a genuinely great film, but it was original, personal and charming. I have often said the most important thing a film can do is to stick in your mind, but perhaps I need to amend my position as this was memorable for being without doubt the worst film I have seen in many years.
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