Synopsis

Spoiled Hawaiian surfer twins Phil and Stew Deedle are sent away by their wealthy father after their reckless behavior gets them expelled from school. Mistaken for Yellowstone ranger recruits, the clueless brothers become entangled in a scheme by a disgruntled former ranger to redirect Old Faithful. Their unlikely wilderness adventure forces them to confront danger, responsibility, and the consequences of their carefree lifestyle.

Factoids & Trivia

• Meet the Deedles was released by Walt Disney Pictures on March 27, 1998, and was rated PG for language, violence, and crude humor.

• Although the story is set in Yellowstone National Park, the production filmed in Utah, including the Wasatch National Forest near Park City. The filmmakers could not use Yellowstone during its busy tourist season.

• The production created a working replica of Old Faithful. A jet engine loaned by Utah State University helped propel water to the necessary height.

• The prairie dogs were genuine animal performers. Approximately 125 were trained for the production, while 12 were prepared to portray Petey, the principal prairie dog.

• American Humane monitored the animal action. The apparent pigeon droppings in one scene were fake liquid made by the props department, and a fake worm was used for the scene in which a worm appears to be eaten.

• The film was the first live-action feature produced by DIC Entertainment. It was made as part of DIC's live-action production arrangement with Disney.

• The soundtrack reflects the third-wave ska and alternative-pop sounds popular in the late 1990s. It includes "American Girls" by Homie, a short-lived group associated with Rivers Cuomo.

• With a reported production budget of $24 million, the film earned approximately $4.4 million domestically and became a notable box-office failure.