On M List of Movie Reviews

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Major League II (1994)

Rate: 7
Viewed: 11/14

MLII
11/14: Everybody can agree that Major League is the best baseball picture ever made.

That makes it a tough act for the sequel to follow, but it turns out Major League II isn't bad. There are some parts I don't like, and it can never recreate the classic moments that the original had in abundance.

Whenever a sequel is made, the number one noticeable change is that many of the original cast members don't come back. But for Major League II, most actually did which is a nice thing. However, it's Omar Epps this time instead of Wesley Snipes. That's why the sequel can be such a downer at times.

Another is Charlie Sheen who doesn't get to be Wild Thing for the majority of the time until the last five minutes. I rather see him this way throughout, and I hate the relationship between Rick Vaughn and Nikki. She's like, "We had a nice one night stand, but you left your jacket at my home." And he's like, "Hey, thanks. Wanna do it again?" And in front of the kids. He's so shameless. Beyond than that, there's nothing between these two.

Of all characters, Randy Quaid's is obnoxious and needless and can be safely dispensed without any loss in continuity. David Keith is a surprise because I didn't recognize him as Jack Parkman since I never figured him for a ballplayer. By far, Bob Uecker gets my vote as the funniest character because his lines are so good and original. He may have written them, too.

The first hour is hilarious and has good moments. By the time the Cleveland Indians team makes to the playoffs, there's a lull for the most part until the final inning of Game 7 with the team predictably winning the series. However, the World Series is skipped; hence, I have no idea of the team's fate. In case if you're wondering what happened after the winner-take-all game from the previous film, they lost to the Chicago White Sox in the American League Championship Series.

By the way, if you notice the wall that's pasted with ads during spring training, it appears the stadium is located somewhere in the Delaware Valley, probably the southeast section of Pennsylvania. During the funny interview with Jay Leno, Charlie Sheen was describing the plot of his upcoming movie The Chase.

All in all, Major League II is a worthy sequel that manages to recapture approximately three-quarters of the original.