The 1990s were a high point for live-action kid’s films. If you look at sports movies alone, you get “The Mighty Ducks,” ”The Sandlot,” “Rookie of the Year,” “Angels in the Outfield,” “Air Bud,” “Little Giants,” and more. Let’s not forget other non-sports ones like “Blank Check” and “Richie Rich.” Amongst those we also had a story of overweight kids fighting back against a cruel summer camp. The cult classic Disney film, “Heavyweights.”
February 17th marked the 30th anniversary of “Heavyweights.” The film was directed by “The Mighty Ducks” writer Steven Brill in his directorial debut. He co-wrote it with Judd Apatow (in what would be his first theatrical feature). That’s a pretty big milestone for a film that’s oft forgotten. Apatow would later go on to be behind some of the biggest comedies of the mid to late 2000s, including “Knocked Up” and “The 40-Year-Old Virgin.” Brill meanwhile, would team up with Adam Sandler on “Little Nicky,” “Mr. Deeds” and “Sandy Wexler.”
You know who hasn’t forgotten about “Heavyweights” though? The movie’s antagonist, Ben Stiller (“Severance“). “Somehow I don’t think this will be at the head of the Disney+ queue ever,” Stiller tweeted on X (formerly Twitter). “In fact I’m not sure they are aware they made it. But that was an incredibly fun summer in North Carolina 30 years ago.”
But seriously, it’s good to know it was a fun time shooting the film. Funnily enough, Stiller would go on to play another fitness obsessed villain in “Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story.” His capacity to play smarmy, slimy, jerks knows no bounds. And in this case of this film in particular, he also knows how to play their father too!
We’d also be remiss if we didn’t remind “Frasier” fans that the movie also prominently features character actor Tom McGowan. McGowan would wind up playing station manager Kenny Daly for a good chunk of the show’s run. Is that kind of a tangent to this? You betcha, but we don’t often get a chance to mention Kenny Daly here, and heaven forbid we miss a “Frasier” connection.
“Heavyweights” is currently streaming on Disney+.
