Although popular at the time, hardly anyone today remembers the original Angels in the Outfield, or even realizes there was one. The 1994 Disney remake has taken its place in the hearts of millions of kids, and while I'm still partial to the original, I really liked watching the modern version. I especially appreciated the modern touches that made the story more accessible for '90s kids.
For example, instead of an orphanage (prevalent in post-war years), the featured children are in a foster home. Joseph Gordon-Levitt and his best friend Milton Davis Jr. Live with their foster mother Brenda Fricker, and their greatest hobby is to go watch the Anaheim Angels play baseball - even though they always lose. Little Joey's deadbeat dad, Dermot Mulroney, says that the day they'll be a family again is "when the Angels win the pennant". It's flippant, of course, but Joey takes it to heart and prays for help. In another slight difference from the original, it's the child who talks to the angels, not the coach. I prefer the original way, but I understand the change; kids in the '90s would be more likely to invest their interest in a movie where the onscreen kid talks to angels, rather than the grumpy coach who yells at everybody.
Speaking of the grumpy coach, the soft-spoken, husky-voiced Danny Glover we all know has disappeared! He loses his temper at every scene and berates the stupidity and lack of talent of his ball players. But it does look like everyone had a blast making the movie; so no harm, no foul. The ball players only have a little bit of screen time each, but I'm sure you'll recognize them: Tony Danza, Matthew McConaughey, Adrien Brody, and Neil McDonough. It's funny that they all had such small parts back in 1994, and now two of them have won competitive Oscars - while Danny Glover never has.
In a nutshell, if you've never seen either of the versions, I'd recommend picking which setting appeals to you. If you like the charm of black-and-white movies, start with the original. If you think you'd appreciate the more modern special effects and familiar faces, start with the Danny Glover version. It's pretty funny and still has a heartwarming ending synonymous with Disney movies.
DLM Warning: If you suffer from vertigo or dizzy spells, like my mom does, this movie will not be your friend. In almost every scene, there's a handheld, swirling, or "active" camera movement, and it will make you sick. In other words, "Don't Look, Mom!"
For example, instead of an orphanage (prevalent in post-war years), the featured children are in a foster home. Joseph Gordon-Levitt and his best friend Milton Davis Jr. Live with their foster mother Brenda Fricker, and their greatest hobby is to go watch the Anaheim Angels play baseball - even though they always lose. Little Joey's deadbeat dad, Dermot Mulroney, says that the day they'll be a family again is "when the Angels win the pennant". It's flippant, of course, but Joey takes it to heart and prays for help. In another slight difference from the original, it's the child who talks to the angels, not the coach. I prefer the original way, but I understand the change; kids in the '90s would be more likely to invest their interest in a movie where the onscreen kid talks to angels, rather than the grumpy coach who yells at everybody.
Speaking of the grumpy coach, the soft-spoken, husky-voiced Danny Glover we all know has disappeared! He loses his temper at every scene and berates the stupidity and lack of talent of his ball players. But it does look like everyone had a blast making the movie; so no harm, no foul. The ball players only have a little bit of screen time each, but I'm sure you'll recognize them: Tony Danza, Matthew McConaughey, Adrien Brody, and Neil McDonough. It's funny that they all had such small parts back in 1994, and now two of them have won competitive Oscars - while Danny Glover never has.
In a nutshell, if you've never seen either of the versions, I'd recommend picking which setting appeals to you. If you like the charm of black-and-white movies, start with the original. If you think you'd appreciate the more modern special effects and familiar faces, start with the Danny Glover version. It's pretty funny and still has a heartwarming ending synonymous with Disney movies.
DLM Warning: If you suffer from vertigo or dizzy spells, like my mom does, this movie will not be your friend. In almost every scene, there's a handheld, swirling, or "active" camera movement, and it will make you sick. In other words, "Don't Look, Mom!"