Kicking and Screaming: Movie & DVD Review (2005)

(Originally published 2005)

A soccer movie for kids, with Will Ferrell in the lead as a beleaguered coach with esteem issues, Mike Ditka--yes, Mike Ditka--in a supporting role as Ferrell's tense neighbor and Bob Dylan's son, Jesse, in the directing chair.

Add to this odd mix Robert Duvall as Ferrell's competitive father, and what audiences get is a strange hybrid, indeed.

Still, as strange hybrids go, this movie gets the job done for its core audience of tots—and for no one else.

The script is limited, with broad, repetitive echoes of the superior "The Bad News Bears.” Ferrell occasionally is able to score a few laughs, but it's a struggle, as adults will find as they push to get through the movie.

Grade: C

DVD Features:

• Available Subtitles: English, Spanish, French
• Available Audio Tracks: (Dolby Digital 5.1)
• The Red Cards: Deleted Scenes
• The Yellow Cards: Outtakes
• Alternate Takes
• From Rome to Hollywood
• Kickin' It with the Kids
• Soccer Camp
• Behind the Net: The Making of Kicking & Screaming