The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers
Disney Plus
Season 1, Episodes 1-3
A few days ago I decided to watch The Mighty Ducks trilogy for the first time. I’ve never watched these films before, but knew of their existence and influence in pop culture. I was interested in the new Disney+ series The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers because I saw Lauren Graham was playing the main character of the series; and I’m a very huge fan of Gilmore Girls. So as a fan of Gilmore Girls, I pushed myself to watch these hockey movies. I personally am not into sports much, especially sports movies but I decided to give it a go anyway.
The journey of watching all three films was strange, in my own opinion I think the first film is the best of the bunch. It plays with some cliches and tropes of the 90s; but is still a cute, wholesome watch when its all said and done. The second film was definitely not for me at all. I felt there was too much slapstick, and had a lack of focus. While the third movie was a bit of an improvement, it has some great dramatic performances that hold the film together. Did those two sequels capture the same magic as the first flick? No. I don’t think they were necessary. It felt they really added nothing following the first charming film. The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers however? YES. It wasn’t “needed” but it’s a solid entry into the long running franchise. It’s more game changing than one would think given the past films, no pun intended.
The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers is a wonderful addition to the Might Ducks library, it’s for fans both old and new and each group will find something to love about the series. The slapstickyness of the original trilogy is all but gone and the tone feels more consistent overall. I did’nt feel annoyed with the characters too much, and Lauren Graham adds so much spark to this series. She does sort of feel like Lorelai Gilmore at times and being a fan of Gilmore Girls this only enhanced my pleasure of the series and give me an excuse to recommend this show to Gilmore Girls fans.
I also like that the series takes itself seriously, there’s some comedic bits; but it doesn’t feel they comes out of nowhere. I think my biggest worry I had prior to watching this show was how much it would be influenced by modern retellings of classic franchise, but thankfully there isn’t too much of that. It feels mostly original on its own and that is great. Granted, I don’t mean to invade on anyone’s nostalgia over the original trilogy; but I think this series is for something new everyone can enjoy.
The first 3 episodes of the series is a good introduction to the new cast and characters, and to the centric story as well. If the show keeps it up, I think this could very well save this franchise. The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers will be streaming exclusively on Disney+ March 26th.