D2: THE MIGHTY DUCKS

US, 1994, 107 minutes, Colour.
Emilio Estevez, Kathryn Erbe, Michael Tucker, Jan Rubez, Carsten Norgaard, Joshua Jackson.
Directed by Sam Weisman.

D2: The Mighty Ducks is not simply a sequel to the successful Mighty Ducks but almost a replay of the original film, this time with an international competition.

Once again Emilio Estevez is the reluctant coach for the hockey team, he retires, is persuaded to come back, coaches ‘Team USA’ and gets his former players back. The usual things happen, difficulties within the team, clashes with the opposition (this time a team from Iceland!) but, of course, finally win the game.

This is routine American sports material, the coach coming in and saving the seemingly hopeless team, the type of film from the Bad News Bears series in the 1970s to Keanu Reeves’ coaching in .

The film is a Disney film and was criticised at the time for having its cake and eating it: saying that the only thing that matters is playing the game but always making sure that the team, despite every difficulty in the book, goes on to victory. It is also particularly patriotic American – with the touch of aggression towards teams from other countries. However, these political comments aside, it is one of those enjoyable motivational sports films for youngsters and family audiences.

1. The popularity of this kind of sports film? The underdogs? Their coming together, the work of the coach, the challenges, the victory?

2. The theme that playing the game is entertaining – but always the pay-off with the victory?

3. The American style of sportsmanship, the ice hockey team, the intensity of the training, the work of the coach, the setting up of the opposition as enemy? ‘Team USA’?

4. Gordon Bombay, his success with the Mighty Ducks, his injury? The consequences? Going home to Minneapolis? Jan, the work in the sports store? Charlie and his being in the shop? The past memories of the Ducks?

5. Tibballs, sports commentator, his persuading Gordon to come and coach Team USA? The Goodwill Games, the transfer to Los Angeles?

6. Charlie and contacting the members of the team, further recruits from Texas? Miami? The teacher, Michelle? The initial training and then the arrival in Los Angeles?

7. Gordon, attention paid to him, the apartment, luxury, Tibballs and his pressure with the sponsorship deals? The effect on Gordon, on the team?

8. The games, their success, the match against Iceland, the Iceland coach and his attitude? The defeat?

9. Russ, the Los Angeles young man, the challenge to play his team, roller blade ice hockey, the inner city? The experience, learning?

10. Gordon, the advice from Jan, team spirit, playing the game? The change in the team, the personalities of the players, their picking up tips, Russ joining them? His skill in spinning?

11. The final match, the drama, the editing and pace, the victory in penalty time?

12. The aftermath? Audiences enjoying the victory of the underdog?