The Stream: A bit corny at times and a little long

The Big Screen: Very entertaining and funny for the whole family

The Final Bill: Lebron and the Tune Squad dunk the family entertainment

– S2S: Movie Review
Director: Malcolm D. Lee
Writers: Juel Taylor (screenplay by), Tony Rettenmaier (screenplay by) | 8 more credits »
Stars: LeBron James, Zendaya, Don Cheadle, Sonequa Martin-Green | See full cast & crew »
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy 
Rating: PG
Runtime: 1 hour 48 minutes
Platform: July 16, 2021 in theaters and HBO Max

Streaming brought the past to the present. This week in theaters and on HBO Max, Space Jam: A New Legacy made its premiere. Following in the footsteps of Space Jam from the 90’s starring Michael Jordan, we have our own NBA superstar, Lebron James, leading the Tune Squad for a fight over the world. Let’s see what this update/reboot/sequel has for viewers.

ISO LEBRON! That’s exactly how this movie begins to feel. It is inevitable to compare this with the original Space Jam with MJ, and I don’t really remember that movie being that MJ-focused. Yes it was literally the story of him retiring and getting the fire back to play in the NBA, but he felt more like a cog than a character. As the movie goes on, that iso turns more into team ball and its enjoyable. Anyway, some parts are uber corny. Nevertheless, Lebron actually does a pretty good job. I knew from his cameos in other films he could do it, but could he be the main attraction off the court? The jury is still out. I think he did a good enough job for the stereotypical athlete-sports flick. Lebron has some serious natural comedic timing but the serious emotional stuff is where the acting is a bit lacking. He can work on it though. It actually just might be his voice and not his acting. Something to ponder. Lebron might even be better in a villain or big bad role. Do they still need Jonathan Majors for the Kang the Conqueror role? Think about it Marvel. Let’s talk about the rest of the cast. Cheadle is pretty good as well. Everyone else… people wise don’t worry about (the sons tries his best).

Let’s get to the basics – Space Jam: A New Legacy is keeping both the Space Jam and Looney Tunes legacy alive. The animation is really well done and brought everything to 2020. In fact, the use of the Warner Bros. world and use of other movies is so much fun to see here. Either way, the Tune gang is back at it led by your favorite bunny and his antics, and that makes this a really good family flick. The Tunes are the stars of this flick for sure with all of the laughs they bring. I’m looking at you Khaleesi!

While I see that Space Jam: A New Legacy is catching a bad rap, but honestly its a fun movie. Is Lebron a perfect and natural actor? No. He does a pretty good job though and is surrounded by some really funny critters and situations. I’m glad they paid homage to the first movie, but made it its own thing as well. This is one for the whole family. If you’re going to the theater, grab a bowl of popcorn during the matinee but those on HBO Max this is a must see Big Box. And that’s all y’all!