Angels in the Outfield (1994)

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Angels in the Outfield (1994)

Director: William Dear

Writers: Dorothy Kingsley & George Wells, Holly Goldberg Sloan

Stars: Danny Glover, Brenda Fricker, Tony Danza, Christopher Lloyd, Ben Johnson, Jay O. Sanders, Joseph Gordon-Leavitt


Foster-child Roger (Joseph Gordon-Leavitt) prays for the California Angels to win the pennant in the mistaken belief that it will lead to reconciliation with his father (Dermot Mulroney). 


Angels begin to intervene on the Angels' behalf, bringing hope, faith, and a renewed sense of self-worth to bitter manager George Knox (Danny Glover) and his clumsy team. 


Diabetics should avoid this film at all costs. 


It goes for easy sentimentality every step of the way, leading to a very predictable outcome. 


Kids may like it, though I don't want to be the one to explain why God would pick sides in a sports contest, especially since an omniscient God and His angels ought to be well aware that answering Roger's prayers will not lead to the outcome he so desperately desires. 


Oh well, if you can put your brain on hold and get misty-eyed over a stadium full of spectators flapping their arms like angels, you may have a good time.


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