D3: The Mighty Ducks
Encyclopedia
D3: The Mighty Ducks is the third film in The Mighty Ducks trilogy
. It was produced by Avnet–Kerner Productions and Walt Disney Pictures
, distributed by Buena Vista Distribution
, and originally released to movie theaters on October 4, 1996.
) and his teammates being awarded junior varsity hockey scholarships to Eden Hall Academy, a prestigious prep school that Bombay attended. The Ducks experience many early struggles: playing in the new defensive style of coach and former NHL player Ted Orion (Jeffrey Nordling
), Orion abandoning several Duck traditions, and off-ice conflicts with the Varsity team, culminating in a tie in an exhibition game, after having a huge lead. Eventually, when Coach Orion restricts the old Ducks uniform, Charlie decides to leave the team. Fulton follows, but returns.
Throughout all this is a subplot dealing with Charlie's transition from childhood to adolescence, as he struggles with what he perceives as abandonment by Bombay when the latter informs him that he intends to take a job with the Junior Goodwill Games, which would leave him unable to coach the Ducks. He informs Charlie prior to the start of classes that the team will be in good hands under Coach Orion's tutelage. Angry at Bombay's departure and at Orion's highly disciplined coaching style, Charlie's acting out alienates him from his mother, Hans, and even his friends.
The Ducks' struggles appear to continue as their mentor, Hans, passes away. Bombay comes to his house the day following the funeral and takes Charlie back to Eden Hall. He tells Charlie that Orion's career with the Minnesota North Stars
ended when the team moved to Dallas and he stayed to care for his paraplegic daughter. Bombay says he told Orion that Charlie was the heart and soul of the team, and it was his hope that both Orion and Charlie would learn something from each other. Touched by his words, Charlie agrees to rejoin the team.
Arriving at the team bus for the next game, Charlie tells Orion he wants to play "two-way hockey". Surprised but pleased, Coach Orion welcomes him back. Prior to the bus' departure, Dean Buckley (David Selby
), the school's headmaster, informs the team that its board of trustees wants revoke the Ducks' scholarships and offers Orion a chance to start anew with a team of his choice. Satisfied with the team, Coach Orion balks at the news, threatening resignation. He gets Bombay to fight for their case, which he does successfully.
Prior to the JV-Varsity game, Orion brings back the Duck jerseys. Throughout the game, the Varsity dominates on offense. However, the Ducks play good defense and manage to keep the game scoreless after two periods. During the second intermission, Dean Portman returns to the team, adding a needed spark. Late in the game, the Ducks get two penalties and must play 5 vs 3. During the time-out, Orion renames Charlie captain and tells him to go for the win if the opportunity presents itself. With seconds left in the game, Charlie passes the puck back to Goldberg, now a defenseman, who scores into an wide-open net as time expires, securing a 1-0 victory for the Ducks.
Following the victory, Charlie embraces Orion and spots Bombay who has attended the game, and they both look across to a banner with the Ducks' logo. Bombay, then departs the game, amid a sea of cheering fans, with a smile.
, at the time was captain of the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim
(now Anaheim Ducks), makes a cameo appearance during the second intermission of the Ducks/Varsity Warriors game.
, who played Jesse Hall, is the only actor to not reprise his role, after appearing in the first two films of the trilogy.
. John Anderson, from the Los Angeles Times
, called the film "a self-reverential salute to Ducks" while also saying that the film was "lazier" than its predecessor.
The Mighty Ducks films
The Mighty Ducks is a series of three live-action films and one animated film released in the 1990s by Walt Disney Pictures. The movies revolve around a Twin Cities ice hockey team, composed of young players that stick together throughout various challenges...
. It was produced by Avnet–Kerner Productions and Walt Disney Pictures
Walt Disney Pictures
Walt Disney Pictures is an American film studio owned by The Walt Disney Company. Walt Disney Pictures and Television, a subsidiary of the Walt Disney Studios and the main production company for live-action feature films within the Walt Disney Motion Pictures Group, based at the Walt Disney...
, distributed by Buena Vista Distribution
Buena Vista Distribution
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures is a motion picture and television feature distribution company owned by Disney Enterprises, Inc. Buena Vista International was the international distribution arm, Buena Vista Home Entertainment was the firm's video and DVD distribution arm, and Buena Vista...
, and originally released to movie theaters on October 4, 1996.
Plot
The film opens with team captain Charlie Conway (Joshua JacksonJoshua Jackson
Joshua Carter Jackson is a Canadian American actor. He has appeared in primetime television and in over 32 film roles. He is best known for playing Charlie Conway in The Mighty Ducks film series, Pacey Witter in the television series Dawson's Creek and Peter Bishop in the television series...
) and his teammates being awarded junior varsity hockey scholarships to Eden Hall Academy, a prestigious prep school that Bombay attended. The Ducks experience many early struggles: playing in the new defensive style of coach and former NHL player Ted Orion (Jeffrey Nordling
Jeffrey Nordling
Jeffrey Richard Nordling is an American actor. He is known for his roles as Jake Manning in Once and Again, Larry Moss in 24, and Nick Bolen in Desperate Housewives; and in the following films: And the Band Played On, Flight 93, Pirates of Silicon Valley, and the film D3: The Mighty Ducks.-Early...
), Orion abandoning several Duck traditions, and off-ice conflicts with the Varsity team, culminating in a tie in an exhibition game, after having a huge lead. Eventually, when Coach Orion restricts the old Ducks uniform, Charlie decides to leave the team. Fulton follows, but returns.
Throughout all this is a subplot dealing with Charlie's transition from childhood to adolescence, as he struggles with what he perceives as abandonment by Bombay when the latter informs him that he intends to take a job with the Junior Goodwill Games, which would leave him unable to coach the Ducks. He informs Charlie prior to the start of classes that the team will be in good hands under Coach Orion's tutelage. Angry at Bombay's departure and at Orion's highly disciplined coaching style, Charlie's acting out alienates him from his mother, Hans, and even his friends.
The Ducks' struggles appear to continue as their mentor, Hans, passes away. Bombay comes to his house the day following the funeral and takes Charlie back to Eden Hall. He tells Charlie that Orion's career with the Minnesota North Stars
Minnesota North Stars
The Minnesota North Stars were a professional ice hockey team in the National Hockey League for 26 seasons, from 1967 to 1993. The North Stars played their home games at the Met Center in Bloomington, and the team's colors for most of its history were green, yellow, gold and white...
ended when the team moved to Dallas and he stayed to care for his paraplegic daughter. Bombay says he told Orion that Charlie was the heart and soul of the team, and it was his hope that both Orion and Charlie would learn something from each other. Touched by his words, Charlie agrees to rejoin the team.
Arriving at the team bus for the next game, Charlie tells Orion he wants to play "two-way hockey". Surprised but pleased, Coach Orion welcomes him back. Prior to the bus' departure, Dean Buckley (David Selby
David Selby
David Lynn Selby is an American character and stage actor. He has worked in movies, soap operas and television. The naturally black-headed Selby is best known for playing the roles of Quentin Collins on the ABC-TV serial, Dark Shadows , and as the evil and compassionate...
), the school's headmaster, informs the team that its board of trustees wants revoke the Ducks' scholarships and offers Orion a chance to start anew with a team of his choice. Satisfied with the team, Coach Orion balks at the news, threatening resignation. He gets Bombay to fight for their case, which he does successfully.
Prior to the JV-Varsity game, Orion brings back the Duck jerseys. Throughout the game, the Varsity dominates on offense. However, the Ducks play good defense and manage to keep the game scoreless after two periods. During the second intermission, Dean Portman returns to the team, adding a needed spark. Late in the game, the Ducks get two penalties and must play 5 vs 3. During the time-out, Orion renames Charlie captain and tells him to go for the win if the opportunity presents itself. With seconds left in the game, Charlie passes the puck back to Goldberg, now a defenseman, who scores into an wide-open net as time expires, securing a 1-0 victory for the Ducks.
Following the victory, Charlie embraces Orion and spots Bombay who has attended the game, and they both look across to a banner with the Ducks' logo. Bombay, then departs the game, amid a sea of cheering fans, with a smile.
Cast
- Emilio EstevezEmilio EstevezEmilio Estevez is an American actor, film director, and writer. He started his career as an actor and is well-known for being a member of the acting Brat Pack of the 1980s, starring in The Breakfast Club and St. Elmo's Fire...
as Gordon Bombay - Joshua JacksonJoshua JacksonJoshua Carter Jackson is a Canadian American actor. He has appeared in primetime television and in over 32 film roles. He is best known for playing Charlie Conway in The Mighty Ducks film series, Pacey Witter in the television series Dawson's Creek and Peter Bishop in the television series...
as Charlie Conway - Jeffrey NordlingJeffrey NordlingJeffrey Richard Nordling is an American actor. He is known for his roles as Jake Manning in Once and Again, Larry Moss in 24, and Nick Bolen in Desperate Housewives; and in the following films: And the Band Played On, Flight 93, Pirates of Silicon Valley, and the film D3: The Mighty Ducks.-Early...
as Coach Ted Orion - David SelbyDavid SelbyDavid Lynn Selby is an American character and stage actor. He has worked in movies, soap operas and television. The naturally black-headed Selby is best known for playing the roles of Quentin Collins on the ABC-TV serial, Dark Shadows , and as the evil and compassionate...
as Dean Buckley - Heidi Kling as Casey Conway
- Joss AcklandJoss AcklandSidney Edmond Jocelyn Ackland CBE , known as Joss Ackland, is an English actor who has appeared in more than 130 films and numerous television roles.-Early life:...
as Hans - Elden HensonElden HensonElden Henson is an American actor. He is best known for playing Fulton Reed in the Mighty Ducks trilogy with Emilio Estevez, and playing Lenny Kagan in The Butterfly Effect....
as Fulton Reed - Shaun WeissShaun WeissShaun Weiss is an American television and film actor. Weiss started his acting career as Elvis on Pee-wee's Playhouse. He is best known for his portrayal of Greg Goldberg in The Mighty Ducks films. Shaun also has a cult following for his role as Josh in the Disney film Heavyweights...
as Greg "Goldie" Goldberg - Vincent LarussoVincent LarussoVincent "Sween" Angelo LaRusso is an American actor. He is most known for playing the character of "Adam Banks" in The Mighty Ducks trilogy. LaRusso plays the bass, and he graduated from Madison High School in New Jersey and Boston University's School of Management...
as Adam Banks - Matt DohertyMatt Doherty (actor)Matt Doherty born 22 June 1978 in Harvey, Illinois USA. He graduated with a Theater degree from Northwestern University in 1999, where he was a member of Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity....
as Lester Averman - Garette Ratliff HensonGarette Ratliff HensonGarette Patrick Henson is an American actor, best known for his role as Guy Germaine in The Mighty Ducks trilogy.- Biography :...
as Guy Germaine - Marguerite MoreauMarguerite MoreauMarguerite Moreau is an American actress. She is perhaps best known for her roles on the television series Blossom, her role as Katie in the comedy cult film Wet Hot American Summer, and her role in The Mighty Ducks series of films...
as Connie Moreau - Michael CudlitzMichael CudlitzMichael Cudlitz is an American actor. He can be seen in the TNT drama Southland, starring as John Cooper, and the HBO miniseries Band of Brothers as Sgt. Denver "Bull" Randleman.-Life and career:...
as Cole - Christopher OrrChristopher Orr (actor)Christopher Orr is an American actor who has appeared in several films including The Mighty Ducks, Shaft, Calm at Sunset and on several television shows, including Law & Order, 90210, and Sex & The City.-External links:...
as Rick Riley - Aaron LohrAaron LohrAaron Lohr is an American actor and singer. He is best known for his role as Dean Portman, one of the "Bash Brothers" in The Mighty Ducks movies...
as Dean Portman - Colombe JacobsenColombe JacobsenColombe Jacobsen-Derstine is an American chef and actress. She attended the Natural Gourmet School in New York City, and competed in the 2007 season of The Next Food Network Star...
as Julie Gaffney - Kenan ThompsonKenan ThompsonKenan Thompson is an American actor and comedian. He is best known for his work as a cast member of NBC's long-running sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live...
as Russ Tyler - Mike VitarMike VitarMichael Vitar is an American former child actor who most notably appeared in The Sandlot as Benny "The Jet" Rodriguez and as Luis Mendoza in D2: The Mighty Ducks and D3: The Mighty Ducks. He started acting at the age of 12 when a casting manager spotted him in line for a ride at a school carnival...
as Luis Mendoza - Ty O'NealTy O'Neal-Career:He is best known for playing the ice-skating cowboy, Dwayne Robertson, in D2: The Mighty Ducks and D3: The Mighty Ducks. In 2001 he portrayed real life outlaw Clell Miller in American Outlaws along side Colin Farrell, Scott Caan and Gabriel Macht....
as Dwayne Robertson
Cameo appearance
Paul KariyaPaul Kariya
Paul Tetsuhiko Kariya is a Canadian retired professional ice hockey winger who played 15 seasons in the National Hockey League . Known as a skilled and fast-skating offensive player, he played in the NHL for the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, Colorado Avalanche, Nashville Predators and St...
, at the time was captain of the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim
Anaheim Ducks
The Anaheim Ducks are a professional ice hockey team based in Anaheim, California, USA. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League...
(now Anaheim Ducks), makes a cameo appearance during the second intermission of the Ducks/Varsity Warriors game.
Departure
Brandon AdamsBrandon Quintin Adams
Brandon Quintin Adams is an American actor known for his playing Jesse Hall in the first two Mighty Ducks movies and Kenny DeNunez in The Sandlot....
, who played Jesse Hall, is the only actor to not reprise his role, after appearing in the first two films of the trilogy.
Reception
The film was poorly received by critics. It holds a 20% of positive ratings at Rotten TomatoesRotten Tomatoes
Rotten Tomatoes is a website devoted to reviews, information, and news of films—widely known as a film review aggregator. Its name derives from the cliché of audiences throwing tomatoes and other vegetables at a poor stage performance...
. John Anderson, from the Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times
The Los Angeles Times is a daily newspaper published in Los Angeles, California, since 1881. It was the second-largest metropolitan newspaper in circulation in the United States in 2008 and the fourth most widely distributed newspaper in the country....
, called the film "a self-reverential salute to Ducks" while also saying that the film was "lazier" than its predecessor.