35. Space Jam (1996) vs. Space Jam: A New Legacy (2021)

We heard it all. A shameless commercial grab bag. IP overload. Jumbled tech references. A WB universe that makes zero cohesive sense. Lebron, like Jordan, can't act.

And there is a lot of truth to all those statements. But at the same time, we didn't forget that this is SPACE JAM we are talking about!

Let me say it again: SPACE JAM!!! You know the franchise where WB execs decided to team up their Looney Toon squad with NBA superstars, and pass it off as a summer blockbuster? The franchise that is truly remembered for R. Kelly's "I Believe I Can Fly" more than anything else.

It IS supposed to be the equivalent of a two-hour McDonald's commercial. It is supposed to be a craven, impudent form of capitalism. It is supposed to have the nutritional value of a Happy Meal, or a bowl of Wheaties, at best.

And you know what, for a SPACE JAM film, the sequel isn't merely good: it is damn good. It's Easter Eggs are absurd. It's algorithmic plotline is overwrought. And it's scoring system makes absolutely no sense.

That said, as a dumb, summertime, candy-coated, rainbow-hued flick that is made to titillate kid's eyes and wink and nod at the nostalgic audience just enough to keep us awake, it more than succeeds! It is a total slam dunk!

Suffice to say, here at Cinematic Underdogs WE DID NOT drink the Haterade! Not even a single sip.

Hear why we think Space Jam: A New Legacy is an absolute blast in this episode, and listen to us debate about whether it trumps the original or not!

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That's all for now, fellow Underdogs! Toodaloo-Fruitaloo!