From Deseret News archives:
D3: The Mighty Ducks
Lame, unfunny comedy is strictly a by-the-numbers sequel to first 2 in series.
Film review
The third time is certainly not the charm for the dying "Mighty Ducks" franchise. Making two films was a forgivable offense, but a third one is definitely pushing the point.
Probably the most telling thing about the film is its unoriginal name, which rips off both the "Terminator" movies and the first sequel, by using a number rather than a real name. And speaking of numbers, this lame and unfunny comedy is a strictly by-the-numbers sequel.
It's misleading as well. Even though Emilio Estevez, who starred as Coach Gordon Bombay in the first two "Mighty Ducks" films, is billed as the star, he actually appears for about 10 minutes' worth of screentime and that's only because he was contractually bound to be in it so he could make "The War At Home" for Walt Disney Pictures, which produced this stinker.
Besides Estevez, most of the original Ducks also return in a threadbare story about the ragtag team receiving scholarships to Eden Hall, a snooty prep school with a tradition for winning hockey teams. However, Coach Bombay isn't following them because he's been appointed to be a coach for the Junior Goodwill Games (yeah, right!).
The Ducks walk into Eden Hall with a chip on their shoulder, especially Charlie (Joshua Jackson), the team captain, but they're in for a rude awakening. The school already has one great hockey team, the Warriors, and that team doesn't seem too impressed with our motley crew of misfits setting off a game of one-upsmanship in practical jokes and hijinks.
Also, Coach Orion (Jeffrey Nordling), the Ducks' new mentor, has shifted the team's emphasis from offense to defense, a decision that doesn't sit well with the hot-dogging Charlie, who promptly quits the team in a huff. Of course, there's bound to be a tragedy that will bring Bombay back in (briefly) and make Charlie return as well.
Director Robert Lieberman and some of the actors (in particular, Nordling, who deserves much better) strive to make things somewhat memorable. Unfortunately, all their effort goes for naught because of Steven Brill and Jim Burnstein's predictable plotting.
You can probably guess without having even seen a minute of the movie that the Ducks square off against the Warriors on the ice not once, but twice, and that the best team will win.
Besides stiff performances from some of the leads (Jackson is particularly unlikable) and limp attempts at humor, easily the biggest problem with the film is that there's simply no suspense. The conclusion is never really in doubt, unless audiences are snoozing the whole way through which could only serve to improve it. Younger kids may be mildly delighted, but adults will find their patience sorely tested.
"D3: The Mighty Ducks" is rated PG for hockey violence and some mildly vulgar moments.
Recent comments
i saw all the mighty ducks movie i like d2 in the 3rd
oeride vr...
devin | July 11, 2007 at 5:22 p.m.
i heard there is a D4 coming out and yes number 3 was to
emotional...
3xiled | Sept. 1, 2006 at 4:23 p.m.
i love the mighty ducks!!! My cousins, who i babysit from
time to...
Sta | Sept. 10, 2005 at 7:49 a.m.
Cast: Joshua Jackson, Elden Ryan Ratliff, Jeffrey Nordling, Joss Ackland, Emilio Estevez.
Find a Movie Theater
- Former DPS head pleads guilty 2:46 p.m.
- Hasan's lawyer to meet with him 2:45 p.m.
- Hatch empathizes with Muslims 2:42 p.m.
- Two arrested in $3 robbery 2:41 p.m.
- Dow hits highest level in a year 2:33 p.m.
- 2 more in GOP may challenge Bennett 2:31 p.m.
- Life sentences for juveniles examined 2:20 p.m.
- Matheson may face Dem challenger 2:11 p.m.
- Columbia prof to speak at U. 2:07 p.m.
- Mitchell wants testimony excluded 1:36 p.m.
- TCU showdown has big implications
- Seniors helped BYU regroup
- Hope for single moms
- Lambert surprisingly tops news
- Bystanders framed for child porn
- Korver and Miles to be evaluated
- TCU 4th in AP poll; U. 16th, Y. 22nd
- Utah Jazz Extra: Whose hot/not
- Newhouse Hotel, an explosive end
- TCU moves into 4th place in BCS
- Gay advocates trek to LDS office
246 - House passes health care bill
212 - Lobo suspended
176 - Cougars crush hapless Cowboys
153 - TCU showdown has big implications
145 - Utah Jazz fall apart against Kings
130 - Thousands protest health bill
107 - Provo company innovating engines
106 - TCU 4th in AP poll; U. 16th, Y. 22nd
103 - RSL rallies to advance
103
All lawyer/legal tactics aside, there are only three ultimate possibilities:...
"I read they do like people w/ accounting degrees and/or people of the LDS...
God was only aiming for one of us. The rest of us have minor bumps bruises,...
Welcome sir ! You're extremely important to all of us ! Thank you for your...
Welcome to the Salt Lake City Field Office Mr. McTighe. Maybe we'll get some...
Interesting article, but don't understand the danger of non carbon receipts....
The "progressives" and "liberals" who think that the Constitution has no...
Soon we will see if CJ is as good as you think he is?? I'm not sure he would...
That's kind of the point. Most people don't mind Bingham or Alta saying they...
JD you and your school SS are nothing but losers! your season is over!!!!!!...



