Kicking & Screaming (2005)

Being a huge fan of Will Ferrell, I eagerly anticipated to see this incredible sports comedy. To be honest I never had the opportunity to have seen it in theaters when it was released seven years ago. But I was fortunate enough to purchase it near my local video store and when I saw saw it, I was as giddy as kid in a candy store as I couldn't wait to slip this bad boy in my DVD. The great thing about "Kicking and Screaming" is that although Ferrell goes through his usual schtick of uptight hollers which has been a trademark to his comedic talents over the years, and sure he may have to water down his antics so that the content will be customized for family viewings. Still his dedication towards his work is flawless and his over the top zaniness will likely to tickle your funny bones, even the most hard-edged stoics might have a chuckle manifested within their stone-cold personalities. But that's the best asset about the film, it can have a strong impact on the younger audiences and at the same time the adults and the hard-edged cynics are entertained at the same time.The central story is about a young man named Phil Weston (Ferrell) as he tries to liven up towards his dismissive and harsh father Buck(Robert Duvall). Buck has never expressed any type of compassion towards his son partially because Phil has never had the same interests as Buck like sports or anything of the masculine flavor. Phil grew up to operate a store that endorses vitamins for kids which has for years made ol' Bucko cringe. In everything that Phil set out to achieve Buck had to always usurp him, even if if meant knocking him down a notch just to remain the alpha male in the Weston household. Phil however, has to learn the art of inflicting tough love of his own as he graciously volunteers to coach his son Sammy's soccer team who's at the moment on an embarrassing losing streak that his grandfather traded him to. Buck shows no remorse for his actions, but the battle of tough love that finally brings the father and son of Buck and Phil closer than they've ever been before.Will Ferrell truly makes his mark here in all his yelling and outlandish tactics will truly have you in stitches with laughter. Switching from high energy proteins to strong brewed coffee he transforms into a uncontrollable almost maniacal maybe going beyond abusive in tough love than his father inflicted on him. Duvall shows he can do comedy as the tyrannical, obnoxious Buck. At first glance, it appears like Buck's character is someone you would truly love to despise. NFL legend Mike Ditka also shows his acting chops are splendid just by being himself. All the kids in this movie provide much needed comic relief much like the kids in Arnold Schwarzenegger's 1990 vehicle "Kindergarten Cop"."Kicking and Screaming" has a neat little message about the value of raising your kids and let them follow their own dreams and try to avoid less pressure on them by forcing them into something they're not interested in. We get a good overview the assets and liabilities of competitiveness and the sacrifices parents must consider when applying pressurizing tactics on your kids. But when the movie's over, it's all in fun and parents can sit on the couch with their kids and be just a family for the next minute and thirty five minutes. I loved this movie so much. Sure it's not one of the greatest sports story ever (nothing beats "The Best of the Best") but I guarantee, you it will likely put a smile to your face.

Kicking and Screaming marked the first sports movie that Will Ferrell starred in. While it is not as funny of a movie as Talladega Nights or Blades of Glory, it works. Will Ferrell stars as Phil Weston, a loving dad who wishes that his son would get more playing time in recreation league soccer. Ironically, the team his son is on is coached by Phil's dad (played very comedically by Robert Duvall). When the coach says no, this causes Phil to become a soccer coach himself. Ferrell makes this character one of his own. This movie is a Will Ferrell movie, but it is targeted more toward younger audiences. Ferrell does put some of his usual attitudes and mannerisms, and in the case of Kicking and Screaming, it works.

Kicking and Screaming is a good movie. It is not Will Ferrell's best, but it's good enough. The story is about a last-place Tigers team. Their coach decided to abandon them. Then, Phil Weston(Ferrell) decides to take over the reins. Along with assistant coach Mike Ditka(Ditka) and two Italian boys, the team must make it to the championship to face Weston's father- Buck(Duvall). Will Ferrell is funny in this film especially when coffee comes into the picture. I really was surprised and happy to see Mike Ditka. He was great in this movie. I also liked Duvall. The only thing that bothered me is that this movie has the same plot as the Bad News Bears but in soccer. A new coach, misfit kids, last place, big rivalry-these things mentioned happens in both movies. Other than that, I enjoyed this movie. This is a great movie for soccer fans and everyone else who likes a plain movie. I rate this movie 8/10.

My dog barfed when he watched this. Also, my gerbil died. ...But that's because the dog barfed on him and he suffocated. Honestly, it's a consideration to put a label for a good movie on this one, then send it to someone I hate. Poor Will and Robert. At least Ditka didn't have an acting career before. Why would they agree to this abomination? Community service? Award willing actors and bad dialog. I kept searching, but found no meaning. The most light-hearted 10-year-olds I know would have a hard time sitting through this rubbish. All things considered, I think the time I took a laxative and a sleeping pill in the same night, things turned out better. No continuity + inferior writing = movie in a garbage bin. I was forced to watch this movie Kicking and Screaming.