Get ready to JAM! Space Jam: A New Legacy has some pretty big shoes to fill. Does this sequel live up to the original? Is Space Jam 2 kid-friendly? I’m breaking down all of the thematic elements, including its PG rating, in my Space Jam: A New Legacy Parents Guide and Movie Review. Here’s what parents need to know to help YOU decide if it’s appropriate for kids. As always, no spoilers!
Space Jam: A New Legacy Parents Guide + Movie Review
Basketball superstar, LeBron James is used to competition, but nothing can prepare him for this. Usually one step ahead of the game, LeBron finds himself in an alternative universe where the tables have turned. He has to learn a new set of game rules in order to save his family from the Warner Bros. Serververse, controlled by AI G. Rhythm (Don Cheadle). And yes, his name is cleverly a pun on “algorithm.” LeBron joins forces with Bugs Bunny to establish their “dream team.” It’s Tunes versus Goons in the biggest game of his life!
The Visuals and Soundtrack
Space Jam: A New Legacy is a blend of live-action and digital animation. And to be honest, the graphics are out of this world. Visually stunning, Space Jam 2 begs to be seen on the big screen, and I really think it would be absolute BANANAS in 3D! This was the first movie we’ve seen in theaters in over one year, and I’m so glad we were able to get the full experience.
Now let’s talk about the soundtrack, because it is seriously JAMMING! And that shouldn’t surprise you. If you’ve seen the trailers, you would know this film would be loaded with fun beats. This is one soundtrack that will keep you dancing in your seat…or if you watch at home, you’ll definitely have the urge to get up and dance!
Loaded with Pop Culture
If you’re looking for a good old dose of nostalgia, prepare to have your mind blown. The amount of pop culture references in Space Jam: A New Legacy is impressive. Not only will you see almost every Looney Tunes character you can think of, you might even spot a few other of your favorites. Here’s a tip: pay close attention to the basketball game. See how many iconic characters you can spot! Here’s who I noticed: Scooby Doo’s Dream Machine, Gremlins, Yogi Bear, King Kong, Pennywise (yes, creepy), Flintstones, The Penguin, Catwomen, Joker, Batman, and The Mask. I know I’m probably missing a ton, but it was really fun spotting so many!
There are also references to Gameboy, Nike, Back to the Future, Hulk Hogan, Michael Jordan (of course), and even New England Patriots coach, Bill Belichick. Try not to blink and keep your eyes peeled!! There’s A LOT to see.
Basketball fans will also appreciate the live-footage of LeBron James shown in the beginning of the film. You’ll even see a photo of Kobe Bryant — which I thought was a nice touch.
Is Space Jam: A New Legacy Kid-Friendly? Here’s Your Parents Guide:
What do you get when you combine a basketball legend and the Looney Tunes? Well, a whole lot of FUN! But let’s remember, just because a movie might appear to be geared for kids, sometimes there are some surprising components. Here’s what parents need to know before watching Warner Bros. latest film.
Space Jam: A New Legacy has an MPAA rating of PG for some cartoon violence and some language. It has a runtime of 2 hours. Is this too long for little ones? Let’s breakdown the thematic elements and take a closer look.
Violence
You will see your typical old school cartoon type violence. If you grew up watching Looney Tunes, then you would expect explosions, guns, falling off of cliffs, and fighting.
Language
Insults are certainly thrown, especially during the basketball game. Words like nimrod, rejects, stupid, sucks, H*LL, and there’s a bunch of bleeping in one scene…which my kids found hilarious, but it definitely wasn’t needed.
Mature Content
Granny drinks a martini at halftime. I mean, it was funny, I laughed out loud. BUT…does it belong in a family film? Probably not. Another character’s pants drop to the floor.
Age Recommendation
I watched Space Jam: A New Legacy with my husband and our two children, ages 7 and 11. I was pretty confident my oldest son would enjoy the movie, but I NEVER know what my youngest will think. I’m not kidding when I say he’s one tough critic! Sometimes I’m afraid to do my reaction videos with him because I’m afraid of what he’ll actually say! I guess you could say he’s honest to the core, and I suppose that’s not necessarily a bad thing. I am thrilled to report that he really loved Space Jam 2. They both did. On our way home they chatted about their favorite parts, and shared funny moments from the film.
With that being said, I personally felt the 2 hour time length was a bit too long. The whole process of assembling their team dragged on a bit. I feel 20 minutes or so could have been cut. Because of that, I’m going to recommend Space Jam: A New Legacy for ages 7 and up…maybe 6 if your child loves basketball and can sit through a longer movie.
Overall Thoughts
Above all, Space Jam: A New Legacy is about family. Don’t get me wrong, this movie is HILARIOUS — but it’s also heartfelt. As a mom of two boys, I LOVED watching the father/son dynamic in this film. Sure there are some really funny laugh-out-loud moments, but ultimately it’s the theme of family that is front and center, and truly love that.
There is such an important message that your kids have their OWN dreams. They might not match up to what you had hoped for, and that’s OKAY! They’re their own person and it’s important to acknowledge that their dreams are valid and valued.
Overall, Space Jam: A New Legacy is a SLAM DUNK! Loaded with so much nostalgia and pop culture references, you head will BOUNCE! Filled with lots of laughs, lots of FUN, and a heartwarming message. Space Jam 2 was made for the big screen! See it July 16, 2021 in theaters or stream it on HBOMax.
Space Jam: A New Legacy Synopsis
When LeBron and his young son Dom are trapped in a digital space by a rogue A.I., LeBron must get them home safe by leading Bugs, Lola Bunny and the whole gang of notoriously undisciplined Looney Tunes to victory over the A.I.’s digitized champions on the court: a powered-up roster of professional basketball stars as you’ve never seen them before. It’s Tunes versus Goons in the highest-stakes challenge of his life, that will redefine LeBron’s bond with his son and shine a light on the power of being yourself.
I HOPE YOU FOUND THIS SPACE JAM: A NEW LEGACY PARENTS GUIDE AND MOVIE REVIEW HELPFUL FOR YOUR FAMILY. WILL YOU BE WATCHING?!
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