D2: The Mighty Ducks

D2: The Mighty Ducks
D2: The Mighty Ducks Theatrical Poster
Directed by	Sam Weisman
Written by	Steven Brill
Produced by	Jon Avnet Jordan Kerner
Starring	Emilio Estevez Joshua Jackson
Music by	J.A.C. Redford
Distributed by	Walt Disney Pictures
Release dates	March 25, 1994
Running time	106 min.
Language	English

D2: The Mighty Ducks 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.

The film was a financial success with a final box-office total of $45,610,410 (domestic).

Plot

Inspired by his own players, former peewee hockey team coach, Gordon Bombay, decides to try out in the minor leagues. After a career-ending knee injury, he returns to Minneapolis and the welcoming arms of Jan, the brother to his mentor and family friend, Hans. Although Bombay can never play hockey again, he begins to work in Hans' hockey sporting goods store, until he is approached and offered a chance to coach a team representing the United States in the Junior Goodwill Games. Bombay accepts, on the condition that he gets to choose the roster; however, five new players would be the sponsors' choice. For this, he reunites his old peewee Ducks and introduces them to their five new teammates from across the country: Luis Mendoza, a speedster from Miami, Florida; Dwayne Robertson, a fancy puckhandler from Austin, Texas; Julie Gaffney, a solid goaltender from Bangor, Maine; Ken Wu, a former figure skater from San Francisco, California; and Dean Portman, a big enforcer from Chicago, Illinois. In addition, the sponsors provide a tutor, Michelle McKay (Kathryn Erbe). Together, they form Team USA. Upon learning that their team uniforms would have to be altered to accommodate their sponsors, Bombay's protege, Charlie Conway, protests, but Bombay assures him that "it's just business".

The real message was to accept change, which in this case was necessary because they were 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. At first, easy victories come over Trinidad and Italy. During this time, Fulton Reed and Dean Portman gain recognition for their punishing enforcer skills, becoming known as the "Bash Brothers." Julie Gaffney talks to Bombay, asking for a chance to play, but he just tells her to wait and be patient, as he wants to use Greg Goldberg as 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 an ex-NHL player named Wolf "The Dentist" Stansson, known for his infamous reputation of smashing teeth out of mouths - including that of his coach - which led to his banishment from the NHL and deportation. USA plays badly, with Dean Portman ejected seconds after the opening faceoff (unprovoked run at an opponent and accidentally knocking over the referee) and backup goaltender Julie Gaffney ejected before playing a single second (knocking two opponents to the ice). The star center Adam Banks manages to score a goal but is slashed across the wrist seconds later. Frustrated, Bombay drives his players even harder, but the players 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," meaning street style. Among the more dramatic teachings include a player teaching the small, quiet Ken Wu how to fight. Here, Russ Tyler (Kenan Thompson, his film debut in a regular role), who earlier mocked Team USA during its matches, motivates the team to work harder. However, Bombay continues to suffer until Jan visits him in LA, reminding him of how he used to love the game. During a game against Team Germany, Bombay fails to show up, forcing Charlie to tell the referee that Michelle is actually "Coach McKay." USA plays poorly, entering the third period tied at two. Suddenly, Bombay shows up and apologizes to the team for his behavior. Inspired by their coach's "return," the players use the Duck's "Flying V" formation to score, winning the game and advancing to the next round. The renewed Bombay finally realizes Adam's wrist injury, benching him despite his complaints. Charlie takes the open roster slot and convinces Bombay to let Russ join the team. Russ' unique "knucklepuck" (similar to a knuckleball in baseball) secures USA's victory over Russia. With that win, Team USA advances to the championship game for a rematch against Iceland. Before the game, Adam returns to Team USA's locker room, only to find out that they already have a full roster. Because of this, Charlie gives up his spot on the roster so Adam can play; at the same time, his coaching and leadership skills emerge.

At first, Iceland appears to be out to dominate the USA again, scoring four goals in the first two periods. Against this, Bombay's team manages to score one goal: Ken Wu scoring following a defense-splitting figure skating move. Unfortunately, Ken proceeds to beat up the Iceland goaltender, Wiesel, landing him in the penalty box for two minutes. 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 on, Texan Dwayne Robertson suddenly jumps on the ice with a lasso to rescue Connie Moreau from getting checked by Olaf Sandersson, 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, the team emerges rejuvenated. The Ducks manage to score three goals, but Iceland scores another, allowing them to maintain a one-goal lead. Coach Stansson, who has scouted Team USA at each of their games, gets his team to successfully repel the Flying V and prevent Russ from shooting. Finally, with a few seconds left, Bombay disguises Russ in Goldberg's uniform and equipment to keep him from being covered. Russ gets a stick from Averman and releases a knuckle puck, tying the game with no time left.

The game is forced to go to a five-shooter shootout. Jesse Hall, Guy Germaine, and Fulton Reed score for the Ducks. Dwayne Robertson, however is stopped by Wiesel. Goldberg is beaten by two of three Icelandic shooters. Adam is the Ducks' final shooter. Before taking his shot, he tests his wrist the way Bombay had taught him to. He scores, making the shootout score 4-3 in the Ducks' favor, but it's still not over. Gunnar Stahl, the tournament's leading scorer, is Team Iceland's final shooter. Bombay knows that Stahl favors shooting glove side after a triple deke, so he replaces Goldberg with Julie, who has a faster glove. Stahl advances on Julie, and fires a hard slapshot from the top of the slot. Julie falls to the ice and after a few seconds, drops the puck, which she'd caught. With that, the Ducks win the tournament.

It is interesting to note that despite the talk Julie had with Bombay, in which he promises that she will get to show the world what she can do, Julie makes one and only one B.J. during the entire tournament.

Departures

Mighty Duck players that were in the first film, but did not return for this one are:

• Tommy Duncan
• Tammy Duncan (her figure skating skills were replaced with those of Ken Wu)
• Terry Hall (Despite the continuation of the character of Terry's brother, Jessie)
• Dave Karp (Aaron Schwartz)
• Peter Mark

Ambiguity

File:D2-australia-cover.jpg

Australian release of The Mighty Ducks.

• The Australian release of this film was simply titled The Mighty Ducks, with the first film of the series being titled Champions. The third installment, however, was titled D3: The Mighty Ducks which coincided with the international release.

External links

• D2: The Mighty Ducks at IMDb
• D2: The Mighty Ducks at Rotten Tomatoes
• D2: The Mighty Ducks at Box Office Mojo