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D3: The Mighty Ducks Review

For Families provided by Common Sense Media

OK for kids 9+

Predictable sports comedy sequel offers some life lessons.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this comedy, the last of the popular Mighty Ducks franchise, is pretty predictable, but nevertheless offers basic-but-useful lessons about winning on and off the ice that tweens and teens may find relatable. There's little swearing and mild flirting, though the action on the rink is fairly rough-and-tumble. (Though it isn't pro-level bruising and bleeding.) And some bullying behavior is played for laughs, but the ones getting bullied ultimately triumph.

  • Families can talk about what makes the Ducks a strong team: Is it their winning streak (because they don't always win)? Is it their team spirit?
  • What types of bullying did you notice in the movie? Did it seem realistic? Have you ever been bullied? Who can you talk to about bullying?
  • How does this movie compare to others featuring sports teams? Do they all follow a similar formula? Are there ones that don't? What makes movies of this genre compelling for audiences and irresistible to filmmakers?

The good stuff
  • message true4

    Messages: Many positive messages here: The importance of loyalty and friendship; hard work leads to success; academically successful students make great athletes. Girls and boys play on the same hockey team, an admirable nod to equality in high school sports. There's even a minor plot about students wanting to change the name of the school's teams because it has a demeaning subtext. But there's also a streak of classism that fuels the film's plot; the established hockey players don't want the Ducks around because they look down on them for being from the "wrong side of the tracks."

  • rolemodels true4

    Role models: The Ducks are tireless and band together when the  chips are down. Some of them are defiant of authority, but peace eventually arrives on both sides. Also, a man gives up his dreams of professional hockey after a family emergency, valuing his child over his ambitions, and doesn't look back.

What to watch for
  • violence false2

    Violence: There's bullying, but it's played for laughs; nevertheless, it's still mean-spirited. A fair amount of rough play at hockey games -- for example, a student flies through a glass wall and hits the bleachers, and students shove each other.

  • sex false1

    Sex: A boy hits on as many classmates as he can, regardless of whether they're attached or not. Teens kiss after a victorious game.

  • language false1

    Language: Some swearing from teenagers, including "hell" and "stupid."

  • consumerism false1

    Consumerism: REM, Pantera, the Anaheim Mighty Ducks are all mentioned. Logos for sports teams visible.

  • drugsalcoholtobacco false0

    Drinking, drugs and smoking: Not an issue

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© Common Sense Media Inc. 2010. All rights reserved.

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