D3: The Mighty Ducks

The success of trilogies can fit into three categories. In the case of “Star Wars” or “The Lord of the Rings” films, history is made with all three films in a series. Then we have the scenario where, the first film is such a hit that the second film is good but can’t quite live up to the original. Then unfortunately, the third film blows it story-wise. Usually this happens because the mood, style or genre changes over the course of the films. The filmmakers get carried away with the world they have established. This happened in “The Matrix” trilogy and also in the “Pirates of the Caribbean” films. In the final category, which examples include the “Back to the Future” and “Ocean’s” trilogy, there are problems with the second film but the third film saves the story. “The Mighty Ducks” trilogy fits into this final category of movies trilogies. The story of “D3: The Mighty Ducks” resembles the other films but this time it is more relatable for young people. Bombay becomes a mentor in this film, maybe because the filmmakers couldn’t get Emilio Estevez to sign on to a whole other sequel, and it works. We have fun but deal with a dramatic theme. The film has more conflict than the second movie and that is what makes “D3” better.

The reason why I like the film so much is in part because of the comedy and the decisions that were made with the film. I like the good use of flashbacks and musical themes bring us back into the world of the Ducks during the opening credits. It is true that the NHL Anaheim Ducks exist because of the film franchise but I like how they mention that in the film rather than ignore that. The film shows that the Ducks are still divided into two groups: those from within Minnesota and those from outside the state. Russ seems to represent those from around the US who value their scholarship more than say Charlie does. The comedy we get from Dwayne in this third movie is better than his moments in the second film. I love his rant on the forks at the fancy restaurant and how the crowd cheers for him when he ties up the varsity player. With Stars in Dallas now, Dwayne appears like a more credible and realistic hockey player. He wears their jersey and mentions them in his first scene. Luis brings something new to the table as he is portrayed as a ladies man. He appears to still have problems in stopping on the ice however and his goal in the first game is funny as he clears the net. I am glad that Charlie’s mom is back in the series and the best thing about the whole movie is the return of Hans as portrayed by Joss Ackland. Both characters provide dramatic moments that will be mentioned later. “D3” has some gags that fit perfectly into the series such as the chase that Charlie undertakes to save Goldberg and the horse turd prank. That latter gag is hilarious due to the acting of Joshua Jackson and Kenan Thompson as they bolt after coming clean about the “brownies”. Goldberg as played by Shaun Weiss has some great funny moments other than the chase at the start of the film. His best lines include: “Somebody get a shovel a bury me right here” and his Melrose reference to the referee. Other moments that are very funny include Russ teaching Ken to talk trash. I almost die laughing when Ken is about to trash talk to the ref and Russ stops him, advising him to “Pick another target.” The Varsity’s pranks are quite mean spirited while the Ducks’ are funny and original. Liquid nitrogen and the Brazilian fire ants provide great comedy. Steven Brill does his usual cameo, this time as the arcade attendant. Finally, I like the use of Portman in the film. He bails because Bombay isn’t going to be the coach and usually exposition like that is interpreted to mean that the filmmakers had casting problems. His surprise entrance is genuinely pulled off as a result but even more importantly; there were hints that he would return. Fulton mentions Portman a lot and Bombay says that he has business in Chicago. His sudden entrance is therefore plausible and it provides the hope that the Ducks need in the third period during the climax. Portman stripping in the penalty box is Aaron Lohr’s greatest moment probably in the series.

The main theme of “D3” appears to be the importance of growing up and how that is not necessarily a bad thing. The film contains a minor theme that things never stay the same. Change will happen and we must be open to new things. Hans points this out right away. The Ducks must grow up and lose the tricks that don’t work anymore. I see this film as a bridge between Joshua Jackson’s work as a child actor with his work as an adult actor. This movie utilized his ever-growing acting experience. Even though the film stars Estevez, Charlie comes across as the central character in this film and Jackson was equal to the task. The story of this third film finds Charlie immediately with a trial, as Bombay will no longer be his coach. The scene is played out in such a way that we understand that Bombay is not doing the wrong thing. Charlie, on the other hand throughout most of the film, sets himself up to have enemies both outside and within the Ducks. He has problems with the school itself and sees Coach Orion as a threat once Orion takes away his position as captain. Orion’s lecture on defense tells us however that he is not the antagonist in this film that Charlie takes him for. Thanks to Hans, we the audience believe that Orion is trying to help Charlie so he can face the new challenges that will come his way. I like the result of the first game as the Ducks blow a 9-0 lead. The first two periods contain comedy but the all-important 3rd period proves to all that comedy won’t work this time in obtaining triumph. It is an important scene in the dressing room afterwards where the team tries to place blame but it is clear to us that no one is to blame but them. Charlie’s mom at the diner has a point that Charlie used to hate Bombay just like he hates Orion. Another good source of conflict is Banks making varsity. It splits apart the Ducks even more as Banks is torn between two groups. The varsity even tricks the Ducks into thinking that Banks has gone turncoat. The pranks between the Ducks and the Varsity team all lead up to the morning exhibition game where their differences will be settled. It is an important scene because the “Flying V” and the triple deke don’t work.

Charlie finally can’t take his hardships and he & Fulton leave the team. An important story moment is when Fulton leaves Charlie’s side. Then comes Hans passing. Charlie failed to take Hans advice when he had the chance and now he is filled with regret. Bombay’s presence at Hans’ funeral reminds us just how important Hans was to the Ducks. The loss of Hans is tragic because the Ducks would not exist without him. Also, Bombay had to be at the funeral so as to set up his appearance at Charlie’s bed the next day. Bombay is the only man that can help Charlie now and that is exactly what happens. I know that the speech that Bombay gives Charlie in the hallway is extremely similar to the one that Jan gave Bombay in the second film but we quote other people all the time in our own lives. I plan of giving my future kids the same advise my father gave me. Bombay’s monologue about his life is so well written in my opinion. We wait to hear what “thing” happened that Bombay values so much and we are taken aback when he says that he was arrested. We are just as surprised as Charlie but as Bombay continues, both Charlie and us understand that Bombay’s community service resulted from his arrest. The phrase “Be that man” is important in this case because Charlie must grow up. I must say that the victory at the end of the movie is not as satisfying as those of the other films in the series.

As I said, “D3” is more relatable to kids as opposed to the other Duck films. Teenagers & children encounter change all the time and this movie shows how accepting new things is a positive thing. We also must grow up in order to face the new challenges that come our way. While other franchises like “Shrek” have trouble understanding when enough is enough, “The Mighty Ducks” film franchise ends with “D3” and rightfully so. We get a great concluding film with a nice message.

4 Stars