Angels in the Outfield
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Movie Reviews of Angels in the Outfield
Movie Review: Angels in the Outfield
Summary: 4 Stars
This is a really fun Disney family film. It is about as good of a film as it can be without living up to the original 'Angels in the Outfield.'Movie Review: Baseball fans
Summary: 4 Stars
of all ages will enjoy this movie. I purchased it for my 8 y.o. grandson and he was delighted.Movie Review: 4 stars for the movie, 2 for the DVD
Summary: 3 Stars
"Angels in the Outfield" is a charming family film from Disney, certainly one of their better live-action productions. The story's premise is somewhat silly - a boy wishes that the Angels will win the pennant so that his father will take care of him again and he can leave his foster home. Nonetheless, it's perfectly-executed, in the style of '90s Disney films that work (such as Man of the House, Jungle 2 Jungle, Cool Runnings)."Angels" blends comedy and drama without ever feeling like either element is forced. Kudos must go to the cast. Joseph Gordon-Levitt does an apt job in his starring role as Roger, and Danny Glover puts energy and heart into his performance as Angels manager George Knox. Christopher Lloyd is wired to comedic effect, as usual. Tony Danza is compassionate as a troubled, aging pitcher. Supporting cast does well, also - Milton Davis Jr. is likable as Roger's friend J.P., and Tony Longo provides some comic power. You'll also recognize some faces that have gone on to get lead work in a number of notable films, including Matthew McConaughey, Neal McDonough (TV's "Boomtown") and Adrien Brody.
Cynical audiences will surely find fault with the moralistic and uplifting tale of a last place team working their way to the top with some divine intervention. The rest of us will enjoy a very fun movie that is solid family viewing.
The DVD just barely makes it to first base. The good: the film is presented in widescreen and 5.1 Dolby Digital. The bad: the transfer is a direct port of the laserdisc, not enhanced for 16x9 televisions, and not as sharp or clear as you'd hope. Worst of all, after waiting for several years for the film to come to DVD - there's not a single extra feature. Not even the memorable theatrical trailer. More effort should have gone into the DVD presentation for this wonderful family film.
Nonetheless, it's appropriately low-priced, and the movie is a home run. Highly recommended.
Movie Review: "Championships Have To Be Won On There Own, It's A Rule"
Summary: 3 Stars
In an attempt to repeat the magic and financial success they had with `The Mighty Ducks' (92) two years previously, Disney turned their attention to major league baseball and the hometown Angels. Deciding to do a remake of the '51 film `Angels in the Outfield' which starred Paul Douglas they had all they needed available right from the beginning; a tried and true storyline to work from and access to a local, professional baseball team. What could make things more perfect? Well how about the fact that the team in question just happened to be named the Angels fitting perfectly into the title and theme of the proposed film! Ahh..., the genius of the Disney machine is a beautiful thing to observe isn't it?
The end result of their endeavors, `Angels in the Outfield' is definitely a kid friendly film that the whole family can not only enjoy but the wise parent may even be able to use some aspects of the storyline as "teachable moments" with their children. Maybe a conversation on the plight of the orphan and the importance of parenting might be in order, or on a more personal, human potential level how confidence in yourself and your own abilities can lead to miraculous achievements? if you're more spiritually oriented you may wish to use the film to initiate a discussion on the existence and function of angels and the role of faith? One that immediately comes to mind is the warning that smoking is hazardous to your health (remember at the end when Al (Christopher Lloyd) the boss angel informs Roger (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) that one of the players will be playing for the REAL Angels soon due to his twenty year smoking habit). Leave it to Disney to not only entertain, but instruct (I hope you realize I'm being facetious).
Movie Review: Disney still don't get it......
Summary: 3 Stars
Here is yet another DVD from Disney which has yet to take advantage of the wonders of this media format. They have taken a movie which I loved on VHS placed it on DVD widescreen anamorphic in menus ONLY! THE MOVIE IS IN LETTERBOX..The colors and picture quality are not bad, but why not just do it right the first time.They just don't get it.
Alan Miller