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The Mighty Ducks

The Mighty Ducks (1992)

After reckless young lawyer Gordon Bombay gets arrested for drunk driving, he must coach a kids hockey team for his community service. Gordon has experience on the ice, but isn't eager to return to hockey, a point hit home by his tense dealings with his own former coach, Jack Reilly. The reluctant Gordon eventually grows to appreciate his team, which includes promising young Charlie Conway, and leads them to take on Reilly's tough players.

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Directed by Stephen Herek

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Stephen Herek
Producer
  • Jon Avnet
  • Jordan Kerner

Reviews

r96sk
8/10

Very good.

<em>'The Mighty Ducks'</em> is a film that I've heard about for a long, long time but this was my first time watching. I enjoyed it, in short. Satisfying sports story, a solid message, decent humour and a serviceable cast.

Emilio Estevez is fine in the role of Gordon, he's definitely the best actor on display here. The numerous child actors are all alright, Shaun Weiss (Goldberg) is the one who stands out in my memory most.

A nice little film about a local, youth ice hockey team, one for the family.

Sep 24, 2020

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, The Mighty Ducks examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Stephen Herek brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 1992, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of The Mighty Ducks took approximately 33 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • With a budget of $10.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 101 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 150 minutes long.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
  • The costume department created over 263 unique costume pieces for the production.

Historical Context

  • In 1992, when this film was released:
  • The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
  • Digital technology was transforming the entertainment industry.
  • Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.

How This Film Stands Out

While The Mighty Ducks shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Coxless Pair, which focuses more on action than character development, The Mighty Ducks subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Speed Zone and Redbelt explore similar territory, The Mighty Ducks stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: October 2, 1992
  • Runtime: 1h 41m
  • Budget: $10,000,000
  • Revenue: $50,752,337

Where to Watch

Disney Plus

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