This film is reasonably entertaining and competently made, but not complicated. D2 follows the same formula as its predecessor, The Mighty Ducks, with an outclassed team discovering that teamwork and drive are key to overcoming opponents. In fact, that's pretty much the standard formula for any youth sports movie, and this one doesn't vary too much from the tried-and-true template. Most of the players are one-note characters: the bruisers who must learn to control their tempers; the speed demon who must learn to control his speed; the perennial backup goalie who learns patience, etc. The lessons are easy for kids and tweens to absorb.

The focus here is on Estevez's Bombay, who begins to stray from his own simple values when tempted by wealth and fame. He gets nicer suits and a cushier life, but in the process turns off his players. It's an important lesson for kids, but it's certainly not subtle.