The Bad News Bears Go to Japan

Last updated
The Bad News Bears
Go to Japan
The Bad News Bears go to Japan poster.jpg
Official theatrical release poster
Directed by John Berry
Written by Bill Lancaster
Produced by Michael Ritchie
Fred T. Gallo (associate producer)
Starring Tony Curtis
Jackie Earle Haley
Cinematography Gene Polito
Edited by Richard A. Harris
Dennis Virkler
Music by Paul Chihara
Distributed by Paramount Pictures
Release date
  • June 30, 1978 (1978-06-30)
Running time
92 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguagesEnglish
Japanese
Box office$7.3 million (U.S./Canada rentals) [1]

The Bad News Bears Go to Japan (also known as The Bad News Bears 3) is a 1978 American sport comedy film released by Paramount Pictures and was the third and last of a series, following The Bad News Bears and The Bad News Bears in Breaking Training . It stars Tony Curtis and Jackie Earle Haley and features Regis Philbin in a small role and Japanese wrestler Antonio Inoki in a role.

Contents

This film was followed by a 1979 CBS-TV series, and by a 2005 remake of the 1976 film.

Plot

Small-time promoter/hustler Marvin Lazar (Curtis) sees a potential money-making venture in the Bears that will help him to pay off his debts. After seeing a TV spot about the Bears, he decides to chaperone the baseball team for a trip to Japan in their game against the country's best little league baseball team.

As implied in Breaking Training, the Bears had to defeat the Houston Toros for a shot at the Japanese champs. In the process, the trip sparks off a series of adventures and mishaps for the boys. A subplot involves the interest of Kelly Leak (Haley) in a local Japanese girl, and the cultural divide that comes to bear in that relationship.

About half of the original or "classic" lineup of Bears players return (many like Jose Agilar, Alfred Ogilvie, Timmy Lupus and Tanner Boyle are not featured). Three new players are featured: E.R.W. Tillyard III, Abe Bernstein and Ahmad's younger brother, Mustapha Rahim.

Cast

Reception

The film has a 6% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 16 reviews. [2] Jackie Earle Haley, who was in the movie, considered it the worst movie ever made. [3]

Vincent Canby of The New York Times wrote that "the film is a demonstration of the kind of desperation experienced by people trying to make something out of a voyage to nowhere". [4] Variety noted the "latest version is more successful than the middle outing, but the situation and characters are getting tired". [5] Gene Siskel of the Chicago Tribune gave the film two stars out of four and wrote: "The story this time is much more confused, with plenty of subplots ... what we should be seeing is play-by-play with the kids and some baseball. There is very little of either". [6] Linda Gross of the Los Angeles Times called it "a very good second sequel" and "a wry and entertaining movie". [7] Gary Arnold of The Washington Post wrote: "Every aspect of the premise that might supply a source of comic and melodramatic renewal—the conflicts that arise between kids and parents, the conflicts between kids and other kids, the culture shock of American Little League Baseball confronting its Japanese counterpart—is neglected or shortchanged in favor of lazy self-imitation". [8]

The film opened in 300 theaters in the Southern United States in early June, grossing $910,000 in its opening weekend. [9] In 38 days it had grossed $9 million and went on to earn theatrical rentals of $7.3 million. [10] [1]

Accolades

YearAwardCategoryRecipientsResultRef.
1979 Stinkers Bad Movie Awards Worst PictureThe Bad News Bears Go to Japan (Paramount)Nominated [11]
2003
(Expanded ballot)
Dishonourable Mention [12]
Worst Director John Berry Dishonourable Mention
Worst Actor Tony Curtis Dishonourable Mention
Worst Supporting Actor Jackie Earl Haley Nominated
Worst ScreenplayThe Bad News Bears Go to Japan (Paramount)Dishonourable Mention
Most Painfully Unfunny ComedyNominated
Worst SequelWon
Worst On-Screen GroupThe Bad News BearsWon

Home media

The Bad News Bears Go to Japan was released on DVD February 12, 2002 by Paramount, in widescreen only.

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jackie Earle Haley</span> American actor

Jack Earle Haley is an American actor and director. His earliest roles included Moocher in Breaking Away (1979) and Kelly Leak in The Bad News Bears (1976), The Bad News Bears in Breaking Training (1977) and The Bad News Bears Go to Japan (1978). After spending many years as a producer and director of television commercials, he revived his acting career with a supporting role in All the King's Men (2006). This was followed by his performance in Little Children (2006), for which he was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

<i>The Bad News Bears</i> 1976 film by Michael Ritchie

The Bad News Bears is a 1976 American sports comedy film directed by Michael Ritchie and written by Bill Lancaster. It stars Walter Matthau as an alcoholic ex-baseball pitcher who becomes a coach for a youth baseball team known as the Bears. Alongside Matthau, the film's cast includes Tatum O'Neal, Vic Morrow, Joyce Van Patten, Ben Piazza, Jackie Earle Haley, and Alfred W. Lutter. Its score, composed by Jerry Fielding, adapts the principal themes of Bizet's opera Carmen.

<i>Bad News Bears</i> 2005 American film

Bad News Bears is a 2005 American sports comedy film directed by Richard Linklater, written by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa and starring Billy Bob Thornton, Greg Kinnear, Marcia Gay Harden and Sammi Kane Kraft. It is a remake of the 1976 sports film The Bad News Bears, produced by Paramount Pictures. Unlike the original film, it received mixed reviews and grossed just $34 million against its $35 million budget.

<i>Cannonball Run II</i> 1984 film by Hal Needham

Cannonball Run II is a 1984 action comedy film starring Burt Reynolds and an all-star cast, released by Warner Bros. and Golden Harvest. Like the original Cannonball Run, it is set around an illegal cross-country race.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Antonio Inoki</span> Japanese wrestler and politician (1943–2022)

Muhammad Hussain Inoki was a Japanese professional wrestler, martial artist, politician, and promoter of professional wrestling and mixed martial arts. He was best known by the ring name Antonio Inoki, a homage to fellow professional wrestler Antonino Rocca. Inoki was a twelve-time professional wrestling world champion, notably being the first IWGP Heavyweight Champion and the first Asian WWF Heavyweight Champion – a reign not officially recognized by WWE.

<i>All the Kings Men</i> (2006 film) 2006 film by Steven Zaillian

All the King's Men is a 2006 American political drama film written, directed and produced by Steven Zaillian based on the 1946 Pulitzer Prize–winning novel of the same name by Robert Penn Warren. All the King's Men had previously been adapted into a Best Picture Oscar–winning film by writer-director Robert Rossen in 1949. The film narrates the rise to power and demise of the Governor Willie Stark, taking his office in the American South. The fictional character is loosely based on the life of Louisiana governor Huey Long, in office between 1928 through 1932. Elected as a U.S. senator, he was assassinated in 1935. The film co-stars Jude Law, Kate Winslet, Anthony Hopkins, James Gandolfini, Mark Ruffalo, Patricia Clarkson, Jackie Earle Haley and Frederic Forrest in his final film appearance.

<i>Care Bears Movie II: A New Generation</i> 1986 animated film by Dale Schott

Care Bears Movie II: A New Generation is a 1986 animated musical fantasy film produced by LBS Communications and Nelvana. It is the third animated feature from Nelvana and the second film based on the Care Bears franchise. It was directed by Dale Schott, written by Peter Sauder, and produced by Nelvana's three founders; Michael Hirsh, Patrick Loubert, and Clive A. Smith. It stars the voices of Alyson Court, Cree Summer, Maxine Miller and Hadley Kay. In the story, The Great Wishing Star tells the origins of the Care Bears and the story of their first Caring Mission. True Heart Bear and Noble Heart Horse lead the other Care Bears and Care Bear Cousins in aiding Christy, a young camper who is tempted by the evil shape-shifting Dark Heart. This is also the first appearance of the Care Bear Cubs, who also had their own line of toys.

<i>Phantom of the Paradise</i> 1974 film by Brian De Palma

Phantom of the Paradise is a 1974 American rock musical comedy horror film written and directed by Brian De Palma and scored by and starring Paul Williams.

<i>The Bad News Bears in Breaking Training</i> 1977 film

The Bad News Bears in Breaking Training is a 1977 American sports comedy-drama film and a sequel to the 1976 feature film The Bad News Bears.

<i>Losin It</i> 1983 American-Canadian comedy film by Curtis Hanson

Losin' It is a 1983 comedy film directed by Curtis Hanson, and starring Tom Cruise, Shelley Long, Jackie Earle Haley and John Stockwell. The film follows four teenagers trying to lose their virginity. It was filmed largely in Calexico, California.

<i>Prom Night</i> (1980 film) 1980 Canadian slasher film by Paul Lynch

Prom Night is a 1980 slasher film directed by Paul Lynch and written by William Gray. Jamie Lee Curtis and Leslie Nielsen star. The film's plot follows a group of high school seniors who are targeted at their prom by a masked killer, seeking vengeance for the accidental death of a young girl. The film features supporting performances from Casey Stevens, Eddie Benton, Mary Beth Rubens and Michael Tough.

<i>The Benchwarmers</i> 2006 American film

The Benchwarmers is a 2006 American sports-comedy film directed by Dennis Dugan, written by Allen Covert and Nick Swardson, produced by Adam Sandler and Jack Giarraputo. Starring Rob Schneider, David Spade, Jon Heder, Jon Lovitz, Craig Kilborn, Molly Sims, and Tim Meadows with supporting roles by Nick Swardson, Erinn Bartlett, Amaury Nolasco, Bill Romanowski, Sean Salisbury, Matt Weinberg, John Farley, Reggie Jackson, and Joe Gnoffo, it tells the story of three nerds and a billionaire forming the titular baseball team to take on the little league baseball teams.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jackie Chan filmography</span>

Jackie Chan began his film career as an extra child actor in the 1962 film Big and Little Wong Tin Bar. Ten years later, he was a stuntman opposite Bruce Lee in 1972's Fist of Fury and 1973's Enter the Dragon. He then had starring roles in several kung fu films, such as 1973's Little Tiger of Canton and 1976's New Fist of Fury. His first major breakthrough was the 1978 kung fu action comedy film Snake in the Eagle's Shadow, which was shot while he was loaned to Seasonal Film Corporation under a two-picture deal. He then enjoyed huge success with similar kung fu action comedy films such as 1978's Drunken Master and 1980's The Young Master. Jackie Chan began experimenting with elaborate stunt action sequences in The Young Master and especially Dragon Lord (1982).

<i>Semi-Pro</i> 2008 American sports comedy film

Semi-Pro is a 2008 American sports comedy film. The film was directed by Kent Alterman in his directorial debut, written by Scot Armstrong, and produced by Jimmy Miller. It stars Will Ferrell, Woody Harrelson, André Benjamin and Maura Tierney, set during the final season of the American Basketball Association and telling the story of a fictional ABA team desperate to survive the league's merger with the NBA. The film was shot in Los Angeles near Dodger Stadium, in Detroit, and in Flint, Michigan. Released in theaters on February 19, 2008, and released on DVD and Blu-ray Disc on June 3, 2008, it was the last film from New Line Cinema before they were absorbed by Warner Bros. Pictures. As of 2024, it is the only film directed by Kent Alterman. The film received generally negative reviews, with critics criticizing the script, though Ferrell's performance received praise.

The Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television's 9th Gemini Awards were held on March 6, 1994, to honour achievements in Canadian television. The awards show, which was hosted by Albert Schultz and Valerie Pringle, took place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre and was broadcast on CBC Television.

<i>A Nightmare on Elm Street</i> (2010 film) American supernatural slasher film by Samuel Bayer

A Nightmare on Elm Street is a 2010 American supernatural slasher film directed by Samuel Bayer, written by Wesley Strick and Eric Heisserer, and starring Jackie Earle Haley, Kyle Gallner, Rooney Mara, Katie Cassidy, Thomas Dekker, and Kellan Lutz. Produced by Michael Bay and Platinum Dunes, it is a remake of Wes Craven's 1984 film of the same name, as well as the ninth overall installment of the Nightmare on Elm Street franchise. The film is set in a fictitious town in Ohio and centers on a group of teenagers living on one street who are stalked and murdered in their dreams by a disfigured man named Freddy Krueger. The teenagers discover that they all share a common link from their childhood that makes them targets for Krueger.

<i>The Karate Kid</i> (2010 film) 2010 film directed by Harald Zwart

The Karate Kid is a 2010 martial arts drama film directed by Harald Zwart and produced by Jerry Weintraub, Will Smith, Jada Pinkett Smith, James Lassiter, and Ken Stovitz, from a screenplay written by Christopher Murphey, based on a story conceived by Robert Mark Kamen, the writer of the first three Karate Kid films. It serves as the fifth film in The Karate Kid franchise, and stars Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan in the lead roles, with Taraji P. Henson, Wenwen Han, Zhenwei Wang, Luke Carberry, Zhensu Wu, Zhiheng Wang, and Yu Rongguang in supporting roles. While serving as a remake and following a similar narrative as the original The Karate Kid film from 1984, with the setting moved to China, and the martial art changed from karate to kung fu, the film is set in the same fictional universe as the previous films, retroactively serving as a standalone sequel to The Next Karate Kid (1994).

<i>Dollman</i> (film) 1991 American film by Albert Pyun

Dollman is a 1991 American science fiction action film directed by Albert Pyun and starring Tim Thomerson as the space cop Brick Bardo, also known as "Dollman"; he is only 13 inches (33 cm) tall. Bardo is equipped with his "Kruger Blaster", which is the most powerful handgun in the universe. The film also stars Jackie Earle Haley as Bardo's human enemy, Braxton Red. "Brick Bardo" is a character name used by Albert Pyun in films dating back to his second film, Radioactive Dreams.

<i>Jimmy the Kid</i> 1982 American film

Jimmy the Kid is a 1982 American comedy film starring Gary Coleman and Paul Le Mat. It was directed by Gary Nelson, produced by Ronald Jacobs, and released on November 12, 1982 by New World Pictures. Following 1981's On the Right Track, it was the second theatrical film release starring Coleman.

The 1978 Stinkers Bad Movie Awards were released by the Hastings Bad Cinema Society in 1979 to honour the worst the film industry had to offer in 1978. The ballot was later revisited and the expanded version was released in the summer of 2003. Listed as follows are the original ballot's picks for Worst Picture and its dishonourable mentions, which are films that were considered for Worst Picture but ultimately failed to make the final ballot, and all nominees included in the expanded ballot. All winners are highlighted.

References

  1. 1 2 Cohn, Lawrence (October 15, 1990). "All-Time Film Rental Champs". Variety . p. M144.
  2. "The Bad News Bears Go To Japan (1978)". Rotten Tomatoes . Retrieved 2019-01-01.
  3. "The Worst Movie Ever Made, According To Jackie Earle Haley". cinemablend. 18 November 2015. Retrieved 2019-01-01.
  4. Canby, Vincent (July 14, 1978). "Film: More 'Bad News Bears'". The New York Times . C15.
  5. "Film Reviews: The Bad News Bears Go To Japan". Variety . June 14, 1978. 21.
  6. Siskel, Gene (July 12, 1978). "Little pitchers have big mouths in 'Bears' No. 3". Chicago Tribune . Section 3, p. 6.
  7. Gross, Linda (June 23, 1978). "Bad News Bears Go to Bat in Japan". Los Angeles Times . Part IV, p. 20.
  8. Arnold, Gary (June 21, 1978). "Unbearable 'Bears'". The Washington Post . B13.
  9. ""The Bears" Score Again. (advertisement)". Variety . June 7, 1978. p. 24.
  10. "The Bad News Bears Go To Japan - Details". AFI Catalog of Feature Films . American Film Institute . Retrieved January 1, 2019.
  11. "Past Winners Database". Los Angeles Times . Archived from the original on August 16, 2007. Retrieved September 26, 2021.
  12. "STINKERS BALLOT EXPANSION PROJECT: 1978". The Stinkers. Archived from the original on May 27, 2007. Retrieved September 26, 2021.