Space Match is a movie that millions have loved. It was not an outstanding picture, but with its popularity it managed to popularize the little-known Looney Tunes and basketball from overseas in the country on the Vistula River. It is true that over time the fame of the animators has faded away a bit, and Disney enjoys more popularity, but the title from 1996 is still respected among those born in the 80s and 90s of the twentieth century. In connection with the quarter century of this film, we want to present you some unknown facts.
Plot
In the first installment of the Cosmic MatchBugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Taz, Porky, Sylvester, Tweety and their grandmother kidnap a talented athlete to prepare them for a basketball game with aliens sent from an unknown galaxy by Mr. Swackhammer to kidnap and enslave the animes. This impulsive alien owns the “Mount Morbid” alien amusement park, which is about to close due to a lack of customers, so – in desperation – he looks to Looney Tunes to become his new attractions. Thus his helpers come to Earth in search of Looney Tunes members. After meeting strange aliens, Bugs Bunny and his friends decide to risk their freedom by challenging Mr. Swackhammer’s servants to a basketball game, confident that their triumph will be imminent. As it turns out The amusement park envoys, however, were not as dumb as the animes thought, and appropriated the skills of the best NBA players. After absorbing the abilities of NBA stars, aliens transform into gigantic and powerful creatures. Because of this, Looney Tunes are terrified and find it impossible to win the game without the help of a professional.
Source: simbasible.com
Michael Jordan
The choice fell on the famous basketball player whose name you see at the top. He was kidnapped by Bugs and Co. while playing golf with friends Larry Bird and Bill Murray. Looney Tunes persuade Jordan to support their cause. In the movie, Bugs Bunny also meets a new character – the talented Lola Bunny, a wonderful basketball player with whom she immediately falls in love. Initially, a sharp hatred spilled over Lola as a character that was supposed to sexualize animes and introduce certain elements that would attract male audiences even more. Eventually, the character of Lola caught on among younger fans and settled permanently in the land of ACME.
Source: radiotimes.com
Jordan’s gym
When Warner Bros. signed with Jordan, it was understood that their lead actor would also focus on laying the foundations for the championship with the Chicago Bulls. They adjusted his daily work to a strict production schedule (Pytka made sure Jordan took off at 9 am and left no later than 6 pm with a two-hour break for lunch and training) and by building a temporary covered mini-gym, which Pytka called “Jordan Dome”.
A box office success
The film became a box office success, grossing over $ 80 million in the US alone and $ 230 million worldwide. The Space Match is the highest-grossing basketball film ever. Until last year, the first Space Jam website has remained intact since 1996. This means that the site has been in operation for 25 years, to the delight of users and fans of the movie. Costing $ 80 million, the picture lasts 88 minutes and is the first full-length film about Looney Tunes itself.
Successful soundtrack
In addition, the soundtrack was a real sales success, reaching 69th place on the Billboard weekly list. R. Kelly’s Grammy Award-winning song I Believe I Can Fly took the soundtrack to number two on the Billboard 200 and introduced a new generation to R&B. The memorable album was certified double platinum less than two months after its release. By 2001, it had achieved platinum status six times.
Basketball players in action
Other NBA stars such as Charles Barkley, Patrick Ewing, Muggsy Bogues, Larry Johnson and Shawn Bradley also take part in the Space Match movie – all playing themselves as themselves. Bill Murray and Wayne Knight are also attending.
Green Screen
With the input of 150 animators, Cinesite has created a world of live action and animation. However, to bring this world into theaters, Jordan needed replacements for the cartoon characters. The studio brought in a group of comedy actors who dressed in green clothes and ran on their laps. Result: Jordan was able to simulate the correct eye level as if he were actually looking at Bugs and friends. According to Ed Jones, the movie was one of the greatest visual effects of its time.
Soon, the sequel to the Cosmic Match from 2021, in which the main protagonist, next to Bugs, is LeBron James , will have a premiere on digital media . We encourage you to watch both the first and the second part.