Space Jam - 1996

Movie Info

Rating: PG

Age-appropriateness: some off-color remarks, one of the characters is a "sexy" female bunny, the monsters use magic to control people, some cartoonish violence and potty humor

Overview: In a desperate attempt to win a basketball match and earn their freedom, the Looney Tunes seek the aid of retired basketball champion, Michael Jordan.

Themes: basketball, self-confidence, teamwork, stealing, support, bullying, freedom, restoration

The Quick 3

Ask these quick questions to hit the major themes of the film.

1. Self-confidence. How much self-confidence do you have? How much do you believe in yourself and your ability to try your best?

Michael informs the team that the "secret stuff" was actually just water. He encourages them to believe in themselves, because they have what it takes to do a great job. The team has a renewed sense of self-confidence.

2. Asking for help. What types of things do you regularly need help with? When you find that you need help, who can you ask for support?

When the Looney Tunes get into trouble and are fearful of losing to the Monstars in a game of basketball, they ask Michael Jordan for help. God is always available to us to help us and to guide us. John 14:13-14 says, "You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. 14 Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!"

3. Bullying. Have you ever acted like a bully? Have you ever been bullied by someone else? How can you respond to bullies in a brave way?

While they played basketball, the Monstars acted like pretty big bullies. They didn't care who they hurt and how they made others feel. They were insecure, small monsters who wanted to feel power over others.
Here's an article on How to Talk to Your KIds About Bullying.

After The Movie Discussion Guide

Follow this 5-10 minute discussion guide to drive an in-depth conversation.

1. Michael loved playing basketball growing up. He kept practicing and practicing in order to improve his skills. What hobby or activity do you love to do? How often do you practice, and how can you stay committed to improving?

2. The Monstars wanted to improve their alien amusement park, so they decided to make the Looney Tunes come to their planet. In order to make that happen, they also forced the NBA stars to do work for them as well. When you want someone to help you with something, what do you think is the best approach to getting their help? Is it ever okay to force someone to help you?

3. The Monstars wanted to steal the Looney Tunes and make them their "slaves". God's Word is very clear: there is no room for slavery of any kind in the world. It goes against what God says is best for His people. Galatians 5:1 says, "So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law." That verse says there is "freedom in Christ". What do you think it means to be free? Why would it be bad to force someone to do something?

4. While they played basketball, the Monstars acted like pretty big bullies. They didn't care who they hurt and how they made others feel. They were insecure, small monsters who wanted to feel power over others. Have you ever acted like a bully? Have you ever been bullied by someone else? How can you respond to bullies in a brave way?

Here's an article on How to Talk to Your KIds About Bullying.

Minute By Minute Guide

Use this break down of the entire movie in addition to the “After the Movie” discussion guide. Great for repeat viewings.

:12 When Michael Jordan was struggling in baseball, everyone was very supportive of him. They cheered for him on the field, even when he struck out. The team went out of their way to make sure Michael was encouraged and well taken care of. How do you typically respond to people who might be struggling? How can you provide them encouragement?

:23 The monsters used their magic to control the NBA players and steal their talent. They wanted to take the talent from the NBA players so they could defat the Looney Tunes in basketball. Have you ever taken something from someone in an unfair way? When you want something, what can you do instead of stealing it from someone?

Check out this article: How to Talk to Your Kids About Magic.

:34 When the Looney Tunes get into trouble and are fearful of losing to the Monstars in a game of basketball, they ask Michael Jordan for help. God is always available to us to help us and to guide us. John 14:13-14 says, "You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. 14 Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!" What types of things do you regularly need help with? When you find that you need help, who can you ask for support?

:46 When the NBA players have their talent stolen, they desperately try to figure out what's wrong with them. They get medical attention, they talk to counselors, and then they even talk to a fortune teller. How can you tell if something if "off" in your life? Where do you typically go for help? How is that working?

:59 At halftime, Bugs Bunny recognizes that the Looney Tunes need some motivation. So he decides to pretend like their water is actually a secret formula that allows them to play better. What type of motivation helps you when you are tired or having difficulty with something?

1:05 Michael informs the team that the "secret stuff" was actually just water. He encourages them to believe in themselves, because they have what it takes to do a great job. The team has a renewed sense of self-confidence. How much self-confidence do you have? How much do you believe in yourself and your ability to try your best?

1:17 The talent is restored to the NBA stars. The Bible gives us hope that God will really restore all broken things one day, making everything right. Revelation 21:4 says, "'He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” We can have hope that all of the bad, broken things in this world will be made right in the new heaven and the new Earth. Do you notice anything "broken" in the world? What do you hope that God restores one day?