On our first podcast for the Disney Kids' Sports Movie bracket, Jordan Puga and Paul Keelan discuss why they still find the 1994 Angels in the Outfield so adorable. With a stellar cast, a heartfelt story, and a whole lot of angelic hijinks, Angels in the Outfield is a film that is ripe for analysis. Exploring the themes of faith, family, and the complicated dynamics of being a child in the foster care system, this episode delves into the humane themes and very fun and silly conceit at the center of this fun children's sports movie.
This episode also touches upon the ethics of a baseball team being handicapped by divine intervention and the uncomfortable parallels the plot-line has with major cheating scandals (steroids / sign stealing) that have tarnished the MLB in recent years, the "woke" nature of the progressive screenplay and diverse cast, and the strange experience of reconciling one's rational critiques with emotional generosity.
Finally, Jordan and Paul decide whether or not they consider Angels in the Outfield to be an "Underdog" or an "Overrated" film.
