Space Jam MPAA Rating: PG Entertainment: +3 1/2 Content: +2

The world's greatest basketball player, Michael Jordan, saves some of the most famous cartoon celebrities of all time from evil aliens in this enjoyable comic fantasy. Wonderful special effects and animation imaginatively bring Jordan and other real actors into the cartoon realm known as Looney Tunes Land. Some diminutive space creatures called Nerdlucks capture Bugs Bunny. Their evil leader, Slackhammer (voice by Danny DeVito) intends to make the Looney Tunes characters work as the main attractions at Moran Mountain, his boring theme park on a distant planet. Quick-thinking Bugs challenges his captors to a basketball game to decide his fate and that of his cohorts, figuring the tiny aliens won't stand a chance. What Bugs doesn't know is that the Nerdlucks can absorb the skills of others. They steal the talent from some NBA superstars and are transformed into incredible hulks called Monstars. Porky Pig, Elmer Fudd, Daffy Duck and the other Looney Tunes are no match for these giants, and Bugs realizes his team needs some serious help if they are going to be victorious. Fortunately, Michael Jordan is in the midst of his ill-fated baseball career and agrees to lend a hand with his still amazing basketball skills. Youngsters will be delighted by the colorful hoops action and comical antics, along with appearances by many real-life NBA players. Adults who grew up with the Looney Tunes should also enjoy seeing their favorites in this incredible new cinematic environment.

The vicious Monstars resort to dirty tactics and cartoon-style violence that may be too rough for children age five and under. The heroes occasionally respond by getting a little rough, but mostly they rely on their intelligence, Jordan's extraordinary abilities and some unexpected assistance to triumph. Unfortunately, when their basketball skills suddenly disappear, the NBA players consult a fortune teller to try and explain this phenomenon. However, basketball star Charles Barkley is seen in a church praying for the return of his talent. The film has one mild and four moderately crude words and one obscenitiy, but no sexually suggestive elements or other offensive material. Except for these rough words, SPACE JAM is a winner for school-age children and adults.

Preview Reviewer: Mark Perry
Distributor: Warner Bros., 4000 Warner Blvd., Burbank, CA 91522