MAJOR LEAGUE 2 (1994)

Directed By: David S. Ward 
Written By: R. J. Stewart 
Based on Characters originally created by: David S. Ward 
Story By: R.J. Stewart, Tom S. Parker & Tom Jenniwein 
Cinematography: Victor Hammer 
Editor: Donn Cambern, Kimberly Ray, Paul Seydor & Frederick Wardell 

Cast: Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger, Omar Epps, Corbin Bernsen, Dennis Haysbert, James Gammon, David Keith, Randy Quaid, Bob Eucker, Michelle Burke, Eric Bruskotter, Allison Doddy, Takaaki Ishibashi, Margaret Whitton, Jesse Ventura, Steve Yeager, Kevin Crowley, Jason Kravits, Richard Schiff, Jay Leno 


Those Cleveland Indians are at it again! After losing in the ALCS the year before, the Indians are determined to make it into the World Series this time! First, though, they have to contend with Rachel Phelps again when she buys back the team. Also, has Rick "Wild Thing" Vaughn lost his edge? Are Jake's knees strong enough to make it as a catcher another year? These and other questions are answered.

The first film was a sleeper hit and win expected surprise that was fun, but had a little drama in it as well.

Everything here feels artificial and false. As what made the first film likable was it’s oddball yet relatable riff raff’s. This feels more watered down, commercial, corporate and streamlined. Sort of like the characters at times.

Which is expected of sequels, but there should also be a reason other then catching up with the characters. There truly is nothing to compel you to watch this. As it might do more damage then good. Especially if you are a fan of the original.

Some favorite cast members are sidelined or redefined. Especially with Omar Epps replacing Wesley snipes as Willie Mays Hayes and the sudden inclusion of Randy Quaid as a rabid superfan of the team from the first film. Even though he is really the most entertaining aspect of the film. No one’s heart is in this film. So it feels more like a cash grab more than anything else. To capitalize on the popularity of the original. As nothing new is added.

Dennis Haysbert is one of the only cast member to particularly stand out. As his character begins another spiritual journey much to the chagrin of his new non English speaking Asian teammate. Which is part of a storyline that ends up with the theme of the best way is to go back to the old ways.

As more than anything it seems to just give Charlie Sheen’s character a love interest. Who looks too young and a reason for him to go back to his old ways that involves at risk youth. So that it is also heartwarming a bit while checking All the boxes. While Tom berenger just seems along for the ride with very little to do.

The camaraderie just seems absent with less inspired scenes. As the first film felt like a sports movie made by a Baseball insider. This film feels like it was made by someone who only watches sports...ocasionally. As here it seems more about trends then heart. It’s no surprise that after this movie the next sequel went more the horn video route. As this sequel feels like a pilot for a tv series that even though it focuses on sheen’s character. Still it feels like he is the only thing that keeps this as a star vehicle even though before it was an ensemble and most of the characters are back it still feels more centered around sheen and Tom Berenger.

Strangely the film keeps the obsessive fans of the team but put Randy quaid in the film as the leader of them now for more interaction and to have a more recognizable face.

Noticeably absent Wesley snipes character is played by Omar Epps who seems too young to play the character as he comes off more as a new jack then a veteran. Though at least this film made it to theaters and had most of the original cast. Where as these days the sequels not only go to streaming but they also have totally different casts but the same characters.

The film isn’t unwatchable but there are very few good reasons as to watch and try to enjoy the film. 

Grade: D