D2: The Mighty Ducks also known as The Mighty Ducks 2 is the second film in The Mighty Ducks trilogy and the first theatrical sequel to The Mighty Ducks, produced by Avnet-Kerner Productions and Walt Disney Pictures, distributed by Buena Vista Distribution, and originally released to movie theatres on March 25, 1994.
Plot
Inspired by his own players, former peewee hockey coach Gordon Bombay decides to try out in the minor leagues. After a career-ending knee injury, he returns to Minneapolis to the welcoming arms of his family friend Jan, younger brother to Hans (Hans is back in Scandinavia visiting their mother). Although Bombay can never play hockey again, he begins to work in Hans' hockey sporting goods store, until he is approached by Mr. Tibbles of Hendrix Hockey, who offers him a chance to coach a team representing the United States in the Junior Goodwill Games. Bombay accepts, on the condition he gets to choose the roster; however, five new players will be the sponsors' choice. For this, he reunites his old peewee Ducks and introduces them to their five new teammates from across the country: the speedster Luis Mendoza from Miami; Dwayne Robertson, a fancy puckhandler from Austin; Julie "The Cat" Gaffney, a solid goaltender and three-time state champion from Maine; Ken Wu, a former Olympic figure skater from San Francisco; and Dean Portman, a big enforcer from Chicago. In addition, the sponsors provide tutor Michelle McKay (Kathryn Erbe). Together, they form "Team USA". Upon learning their team uniforms will have to be altered to accommodate their sponsors, Bombay's protege Charlie Conway protests, but Bombay assures him "it's just business".
The real message is to accept change, which in this case is necessary because they are playing for and representing the United States of America. However, the lure of celebrity becomes a distraction to Bombay, who begins to neglect the team in exchange for a luxurious lifestyle. Fortunately, easy victories come over Trinidad and Italy in the double-elimination tournament. During this time, Fulton Reed and Dean Portman gain recognition for their enforcer skills, becoming the "Bash Brothers". Aside, Julie talks to Bombay, asking for a chance to play, but he tells her to wait and be patient, as he wants to use current goaltender Greg Goldberg, so long as he plays well.
Reality sets in when the team suffers an embarrassing 12-1 defeat at the hands of Team Iceland, coached by ex-NHL player Wolf "The Dentist" Stansson, known for his infamous reputation of smashing teeth out of mouths - including his coach - which led to his banishment from the NHL and deportation. Team USA plays badly, with two members ejected from the game. Star center Adam Banks manages to score a goal but gets hit in the wrist moments later. Frustrated, Bombay drives his players even harder, but they begin to suffer, completely exhausted. Eventually, Michelle cancels their practice and confronts Bombay, while the kids come across a street hockey team who teaches them how to play like "the real Team USA". Among the more dramatic teachings include a player teaching the small, quiet Ken how to fight. Here, Russ Tyler (Kenan Thompson, his film debut in a regular role), who earlier mocked Team USA, motivates them to work harder.
However, Bombay continues to suffer until Jan personally visits him, reminding him of how and why he used to love the game. During a match against Team Germany, Bombay fails to arrive, forcing Charlie to tell the referee Michelle is actually "Coach McKay". They play poorly, entering the third period tied, until Bombay shows up and apologizes for his behavior. Inspired by their coach's "return", the players comeback to win the game and advance to the next round. The renewed Bombay finally realizes Adam's wrist injury, benching him despite his complaints. Charlie takes leadership as team captain and convinces Bombay to give the open spot on the roster to Russ, whose unique "knucklepuck" (which travels in a sine curve rather than a straight line) secures USA's victory over Russia, advancing them to the championship for a rematch against Iceland. Before the game, Adam's injury is healed and returns to Team USA's locker room, only to find they already have a full roster. Charlie gives up his spot on the roster so Adam can play, cementing his leadership skills as the true team captain emerges.
At first, Iceland appears to be out to dominate Team USA again, but they manage to score one goal from Ken Wu. Unfortunately, Ken proceeds to beat up the Iceland goaltender; impressed by Ken's sudden toughness, the Bash Brothers start to go crazy, picking a fight with the entire Icelandic bench. This earns both of them penalties, much to Bombay's irritation. Later, Texan Dwayne suddenly jumps on the ice with a lasso to rescue Connie Moreau from getting checked by an arrogant enforcer from Team Iceland; he is given a penalty for "roping." Bombay is furious that "this isn't a hockey game, it's a circus."
After a motivational locker room speech from Bombay and new Duck jerseys from Jan (presumably also designed by the team's sponsor), they emerge rejuvenated. The Ducks manages to tie the game when Russ outsmarts Team Iceland by disguising himself as Goldberg, so as to prevent himself from being covered, pulling off a successful "knucklepuck". The game is forced to go to a five-shot shootout. Jesse Hall, Guy Germaine and Fulton score for the Ducks, but Dwayne misses his shot. Similarly, Goldberg is beaten by three of four Icelandic shooters. Adam is the Ducks' final shooter and secures it to a 4-3 standing. Gunner Stahl, the tournament's leading scorer, is Team Iceland's final shooter, but Bombay knows Stahl favors shooting the glove side after a triple deke, and illegally replaces Goldberg with Julie, who has a faster glove. Stahl advances on Julie and fires a hard slapshot and though Julie falls to the ice, drops the puck which she catches. With this, the Ducks win the tournament.the film concludes with the team sitting around a campfire singing Queen's "WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS" as the credits roll.
Cast
Cameo appearances
There are many cameo appearances in D2: The Mighty Ducks.
Critical reception
The film was poorly received by most critics. Desson Howe of The Washington Post wrote, "'D2: The Mighty Ducks' reaches an extraordinary low – even for a Disney sequel. This unctuous barrage of flag-waving, message-mongering, counterfeit morality, which contains the stalest kiddie-team heroics in recent memory, makes the original, innocuous 'Ducks' look like one of the Great Works."[1]
It was a financial success with a final domestic box-office total of $45,610,410.
Departures
Mighty Duck players that were in the first film, but did not return for this one are:
Soundtrack
- Queen - We Will Rock You
- Poorboys - You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet
- Gary Glitter - Rock and Roll
- Martha Wash - Mr. Big Stuff
- Might Ducks Suite
- Tag Team - Whoomp! (There It Is)
- The Troggs - Wild Thing
- Gear Daddies - Zamboni
- Queen - We Are the Champions
- John Bisaha - Rock the Pond
References
External links
