Angels in the Outfield (1994)

Usually, Disney films are filled with such sappy schmaltz that even the most emotional of viewers have a hard time being drawn into the story. "Angels in the Outfield", for a change, strikes exactly the right chord between emotion, humor, and just plain fun that makes a joy to watch again and again.Here's the basic plot: A young orphan named Roger (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) is promised by his deadbeat Dad that the family will come together again when the downtrodden California Angels baseball team wins the pennant. After a heartfelt prayer from Roger on that very matter, he begins to see a swarm of angels, led by the enigmatic "AL" (Christopher Lloyd), helping the team finally start to move up in the standings. The Angels' manager, Mr. Knox (Danny Glover), begins to take a liking to young Roger, first viewing him as a good luck charm, then starting to believe in the magic surrounding the team.What I really find charming about this film comes in two different areas: First, the humor doesn't pander to the kiddies. I'm in my twenties and, though being a baseball nut helps this process, can still laugh out loud at many moments throughout the movie. Also, the message is just heartfelt enough to resonate with me emotionally, but not overly done to feel sickening.The acting is terrific all the way around, as the kids, players, manager, and even all the auxiliary performers shine in whatever capacity they are given. The sport of baseball is known for harboring some colorful characters, and this film doesn't spare you from that aspect of the game!Thus, I consider "Angels In The Outfield" to be one of the best family films I have ever seen. Plus, if you are a baseball fan whatsoever, the subtle references and situational humor will make you appreciate the experience even further.

This is a clean movie about a baseball team that is down on their luck,and a young kid wishes for help for the team. Being as the team is the Angels, actual angels come to help the players play better. As the film progresses and the team wins more games each player and coach start to believe in themselves. For once, the good team ends the game not with heroics at the plate but with the pitcher snagging a line drive. Overall the movie was predictable but a great movie to watch with a family. Watch at least once-it is worth the effort to catch it. It is especially recommended for families who may not be able to have a lot of time to spend together.

The quality of this movie is simply unmatched by any baseball title of its time. Pam Dixon branches out in the film industry to recruit blue-chip prospects and make this work of art a must-see. Academy Award winners Brenda Fricker (Home Alone: Lost in New York, A Time to Kill), Ben Johnson (The Last Picture Show, Red Dawn), and Adrien Brody (The Pianist, The Village) amplify the atmosphere of the movie, drawing in an anxious audience. However, the dramatic performances are neutralized by quirky radio broadcaster Jay O. Sanders (JFK, The Day After Tomorrow).The story is centralized around a foster child, up-and-coming actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Brick, The Lookout). Sidekick Milton Davis Jr. delivers a tear-jerking performance as the longtime friend who never knew his parents. The two don't have much, but what they do have: Angels' baseball, and what they are seeking: identity. That's when 4-time Emmy Nominee Danny Glover (Lethal Weapon, Predator 2) comes in to save the day as frustrated Angels Manager, George Knox. In relation, all characters in the story seem to have the same mission: search within themselves to find out who they really are.Depressed over the fact that Roger (JGL) is separated from his father, he wishes to God for reunification if the Angels can take the pennant. Odds are astronomical, but 3-time Emmy winner Christopher Lloyd (Back to the Future, My Favorite Martian) comes in as the omniscient overseer to work a little magic (pun). Before you know it, Al (Lloyd) is sitting with Roger in the stands, snacking on cracker jacks, and causing some of baseball's biggest boners! Dorothy Kingsley and George Wells' (DK Oscar Nominee GW Oscar Winner) 1951 screenplay is done justice under the finger of mastermind William Dear (nominated in Directors Guild of America). He includes a touching side story centered around pitcher Mel Clark, played by Tony Danza (4-time Golden Globe nominee, Emmy nominee), who in relation to all other cast members is just trying to find his place in a confused Anaheim. Clark has been dubbed a wash-up, a once big-name in Cinci, but he has something to prove to Manager Knox.Spoiling this nail-biting plot would simply be the equivalent to committing adultery in the 18th century. This one is a diamond in the rough, and it will keep you on the edge of the seat until all come to peace. Did I mention a cameo by Matthew McConaughey (A Time to Kill, We Are Marshall) for all you ladies out there?

I know that actors and actresses like to try different kinds of movies - hey, no one wants to get typecast - but Danny Glover, Brenda Fricker (happy birthday, Brenda!) and Christopher Lloyd should have known better than this. "Angels in the Outfield" is another movie in which everything seems lost until someone or something magically comes and saves the day. Do I even need to tell you how it ends? The movie is just plain lowly escapism (examples of high escapism are the various sci-fi movies from the '50s). If these movies had some political undertone - or at least offered us a new look at life - then they would be OK; this one is just pointless. Far closer to diabolical than angelic. Also starring Tony Danza, Adrien Brody and Matthew McConaughey, and I suspect that they don't wish to stress this in their resumes.