To get in the mood for summer, I watched the 90s classic, Ladybugs, yesterday starring the somehow famous Rodney Dangerfield. It got me thinking, what are the best sports movies geared towards children that were made in the 90s (I know that you are also dying to know since it's a very specific genre). For your viewing pleasure:
5. Little Giants (1994)- It's the classic story of a tomboy who wants to get the attention of a boy (not just any boy, but 90s heart throb Devon Sawa!) What really caps off the movie though is a special guest appearance from some of our favorite football heroes, including John Madden (with pen and all!), Emmitt Smith, and some other guys that aren't as important as these two. The lesson all babies of the 90s learned? Never mess with your younger sibling (winky face).
4. Angels in the Outfield (1994)- If this movie brought nothing else, it brought the random person in the outfield who stands up and flaps his arms during the game. Not only is Joseph Gordon-Levitt the star (he's Robin now, kids!) but Tony Danza plays a down-on-his-luck pitcher. The casting office must have been pretty desperate. Nothing tugs at your heart strings more than orphans who can see dead people. It's kind of like the Sixth Sense but with less blood and puke. I did keep waiting for Bruce Willis to show up though.
3. Rookie of the Year (1993)- Gosh Henry, you could play for the Cubs! The exclamation that started a sensation. 90s kids sports movies were never based in logic. The fact is that a 12 year old would never play professional baseball. It didn't matter, we all believed that Henry's freakish accident actually made him qualified to pitch for a National League team (couldn't pick an AL team where he would never have to bat. Oh, no, that's too easy). How many people tried to recreate the baseball slip in order to get great arm strength. It's ok, me too. Full of great sound bites, it's a summer classic and a must watch before you head to Wrigley.
2. Mighty Ducks (1992)- It's not worth winning, if you can't win big. Words to live by really, until Gordon Bombay learns the ultimate lesson about team work and fair play (cue the violins). Except for the fact that he was pretty insistent on getting Banks on the team, that didn't seem like the best sportsmanship. I guess as a preteen, you are supposed to over look that. Mighty Ducks produced a generation of kids that quacked at authority figures and thought the flying V was a legitimate hockey move (I've been told that it's easy to break up defensively. Thanks for getting my hopes up Bombay). Best part of Mighty Ducks, even if you think you're coach was a jerk, he's nothing compared to Riley. "You're not even a has-been, you're a never-was (pops collar)."
1. Space Jam (1996)- It's the best because no other sports movie brought back a beloved sports star to the sport he was actually good at. Michael was smart enough to make fun of his experience as a baseball player and get in on the joke instead of just being the butt. The technology of the 90s was a little crass, but it was magical to see cartoon characters and people interact (ala Who Framed Roger Rabbit or DJ Scat Cat). This movie had everything, including an amazing soundtrack. They don't make them like this anymore kids.
On the rare day that the Tigers have an off day, instead of channel surfing, grab one of these classics and dip into the nostalgia. Trust me, they are better than Air Bud: Seventh Inning Fetch.
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