Jim On Film
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Mackenzie Astin
(c) New Line Cinema

For many of the same reasons as Gabrielle Anwar, Mackenzie Astin’s role in 1994’s Iron Will provided many opportunities for him to shine in the utterly likable role of seventeen-year old Will Stoneman, the boy who competes in a 500-mile sled dog race to honor the memory of his father and to earn money for college. He portrays the youthful innocence of Will without being cheesy, soaks the dramatic scenes for all they are worth, and wins our hearts. Unfortunately, Astin has only appeared in one other project for the Disney division, the moving television film Selma, Lord, Selma.

With 1994’s Squanto: A Warrior’s Tale, Adam Beach was one of the few Native American actors to be granted a lead in a film. In this film, he portrays the American legend who bridges the gap between cultures after being taken prisoner to England and struggling to make his way back home. Beach, who would go on to appear in Miramax’s amazing Smoke Signals, portrays Squanto as a well-developed and realistic character. Beach is not the Native of stereotype nor is he overly politically correct. In an ideal world, Disney (or even other studios) would take the brave step in casting him in a non typically Native role (perhaps as a romantic interest or in a comedy role).

Also appearing in Squanto: A Warrior’s Tale, as Squanto’s wife, was the beautiful Irene Bedard, who would go on to give Pocahontas her speaking voice and appeared in Smoke Signals. While her role in Squanto does not give her an opportunity to shine, her talent has become apparent in her other roles. Like with Beach, it would be nice to see her in a role other than one written exclusively for a Native American (which have almost always been historical roles).

Watching the 1995 "comedy" Heavyweights makes one wonder who was sloshed when the script of this wretched film was approved. Even though it featured Ben Stiller running around and acting stupid and some of the kids from The Mighty Ducks following his lead, there is nothing to recommend this film. Despite this, the adorable and likable Leah Lail as a camp counselor and love interest shines. Though it has been quite a while since I have suffered through this thing, her performance sticks out as the only highlight, portraying the lovable personality of a Disney Meg Ryan. She appeared very shortly in D2: The Might Ducks, but she has made no other significant appearances in any Disney films.

Sinbad from First Kid
(c) Disney

While Sinbad has appeared in several other projects for the studio, his only work for the Disney feature film division was the funny 1996 film First Kid as Sam Simms (other than as a voice for Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco). In this film, he plays the secret service agent assigned to protect the president’s obnoxious son. As always, Sinbad delivers laugh after laugh. He has such an affable personae, he could easily become the studio’s next Don Knotts or Tim Allen. Unfortunately, they have yet to capitalize on his family-friendly image.