Angels In The Outfield Is Finally Streaming On Disney+, And I HAVE To Talk About This ’90s Baseball Movie

Angels In The Outfield Is Finally Streaming On Disney+, And I HAVE To Talk About This '90s Baseball Movie

As a child of the ’90s, I can confidently say that Angels in the Outfield is a timeless gem that holds a special place in my heart. The movie has a unique charm that transcends age and time, and it’s not just because of the adorable cast of young actors. No, no, it’s the unsung heroes like Taylor Negron who steal the show with their physical comedy, particularly during the iconic nacho scene.


Recall the ’90s sports movie “Angels in the Outfield”? This film featured a young Joseph Gordon-Levitt who prayed for the California Angels to win the American League Pennant in the hope of being reunited with his father. After a long absence, this 1994 baseball movie has been added to Disney+, presumably as a celebration of its 30th anniversary. However, let’s move on…

After remembering that I could once again enjoy one of my favorite childhood baseball films, I made up my mind to re-experience it and assess if it would still hold up after all these years. Let me share with you, much like my recent viewing of the classic Major League, it was quite an adventure. Now, was it a positive or negative experience? Allow me to guide you through the game as I jot down some thoughts that came to mind following this thrilling ’90s baseball flick.

Angels In The Outfield Is Finally Streaming On Disney+, And I HAVE To Talk About This '90s Baseball Movie

Roger Inspiring The Team (And Entire Stadium) In The Final Game Is Still Epic And Incredibly Moving

As a diehard fan, I’m ready to set aside any skepticism and acknowledge that the moment when Roger Bomman (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) rallied the entire team and Angels Stadium behind Mel Clark (Tony Danza) in the final game of “Angels in the Outfield” is undeniably one of the most moving baseball movie scenes ever. The image of over 30,000 fans flapping their arms like angels (or birds), aiming to lift the spirits of the aging pitcher, still sends shivers down my spine, even decades later.

In this film, there’s a particularly touching scene, often referred to as the “Disney Moment.” It’s heartwarming, to say the least. Almost every character participates, with the exception of sportscaster Ranch Wilder, who seems to harbor resentment and envy. Even the inebriated spectator from the bleachers, who earlier in the movie had a home run hit right into his mouth, joins the festivities.

Angels In The Outfield Is Finally Streaming On Disney+, And I HAVE To Talk About This '90s Baseball Movie

I Used To Think The First Locker Room Scene Was Wild As A Kid, Now Even More So

I watched the movie “Angels in the Outfield” at a theater and had an old Disney VHS copy of it at home which I watched repeatedly until the tape became distorted. A part of the movie that always excited me as a child was the locker room sequence following George Knox’s (played by Danny Glover) outburst after yet another loss that should have been a win. Revisiting this scene as an adult, I found myself appreciating it even more.

The way Glover channels Roger Murtaugh from Lethal Weapon to verbally assault the lovable losers on his team is something fierce, and I’m surprised Coach Knox didn’t have a heart attack or something. The dude is just straight-up fire and brimstone yelling at everyone. The catering table getting knocked over causing a random tube of salami to roll on the ground is great, Neal McDonough’s dimwitted Whitt Bass is great, and Tony Danza just hanging out smoking a heater in the hot tub is just superb. 

Angels In The Outfield Is Finally Streaming On Disney+, And I HAVE To Talk About This '90s Baseball Movie

Al Just Nonchalantly Telling Roger That Mel Has Six Months To Live Is Something

I completely forgot about the conversation before the climactic game in which Al (Christopher Lloyd) tells Roger that Mel will soon be joining the “Angels” in the Great Beyond because he has six months to live. He sugarcoats the whole situation by pretty much implying Mel will be well taken care of, but it’s just wild how nonchalant he is about the whole situation. What if Mel had a wife, kids, friends, or a new hot tub where he could sit and smoke more cigarettes all day? 

In simpler terms, the plot twist about Mel’s illness in this children’s film feels unexpected and out of nowhere. Although his character struggles with some arm problems earlier in the movie, suggesting he might be past his prime, the revelation of stage-four lung cancer seems unforeseen. However, it does set up a surprising and inspiring climax shortly after.

Angels In The Outfield Is Finally Streaming On Disney+, And I HAVE To Talk About This '90s Baseball Movie

Taylor Negron’s Physical Comedy, Especially During The Nacho Scene, Is Top Notch

As a gaming enthusiast, I’ve got to give a shout-out to Taylor Negron, an unsung legend in this flick. His character, David Montagne, is at the heart of some of the funniest and downright messiest slapstick moments that had me rolling with laughter. In every game, it’s my job as part of the Angels team to look after Roger and J.P. (Milton Davis), but let’s just say, more often than not, this duty ends up with me sporting a ruined suit thanks to some unforgettable food scenes in the movie.

In that comedic chip-and-cheese episode featuring Negron, he lands squarely on a laden tray. Prior to this, David’s suit was marked by mustard and soda mishaps. However, it reaches its final destruction when he sits in the nachos. The expression on his face upon this revelation is undeniably one of the highlights of the movie.

Angels In The Outfield Is Finally Streaming On Disney+, And I HAVE To Talk About This '90s Baseball Movie

I Think There Are More Academy Award Winners Per Capita Here Than In Any Other ’90s Kids Movie

Among the numerous fantastic ’90s kid’s films, none seem to boast as many Academy Award winners as this one. Remarkably so!

Initially, there were up-and-coming actors Adrien Brody and Matthew McConaughey who later won Oscars for their roles in “The Pianist” and “Dallas Buyers Club.” Interestingly enough, neither had received any awards prior to the film’s release; however, it’s much like boasting to your children that you watched Albert Pujols or Mike Trout play minor league baseball before they were promoted to the major leagues.

Ben Johnson and Brenda Fricker had already received their Oscars for outstanding performances before joining the cast. Johnson earned his for an unforgettable portrayal in “The Last Picture Show,” while Fricker won hers following her captivating act in “My Left Foot.” Truly, they both possess remarkable acting skills.

Angels In The Outfield Is Finally Streaming On Disney+, And I HAVE To Talk About This '90s Baseball Movie

I Love The Fact That Disney Ended Up Buying The California Angels A Few Years After The Film’s Release

A few years following the release of “Angels in the Outfield” at cinemas, Disney acquired a share of the California Angels baseball team from its original owner Gene Autry, who was also a renowned country music star. ESPN reported that after Autry’s passing in 1998, Disney purchased the remaining ownership of the team for $147 million.

Following a series of name changes that occurred multiple times over the subsequent years (the Angels’ name has been altered three times in total), they secured a World Series win, experienced some highs and lows, and were eventually sold by Disney to their current owner, Arte Moreno, for $180 million in 2005. As of now, according to Forbes, the team is valued at approximately $2.7 billion.

As a fan who’s thrilled about the convenience, I must say it’s now a breeze to rewatch “Angels in the Outfield” on Disney+! No more library DVD hunts; you can dive back into the 1994 sports comedy at your leisure.

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2024-08-24 16:38