Kicking & Screaming (2005)

Such a frustrating disappointment

It is a performances centric movie

It's not great by any means, but it's a pretty good movie that didn't leave me filled with regret for investing time in it.

The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one

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.

This is another Will Ferrell sports comedy and it is definitely the best of them all. Its better then Blades of Glory and Talladega Nights. I am yet to see Semi-Pro but it doesn't look too good.Ever since 2005 we have been getting a Will Ferrell sports comedy every year. Maybe its time to stop. Kicking & Screaming is a fun family comedy. It has heart and is a must-see for a family looking for a movie to watch together. We have had ice skating, race car driving and basketball. This one is about soccer.A family man called Phil Weston has been victim to his dad's obsession to win all his life. Now he has a chance to get revenge on his dad through coaching a soccer team and trying defeat his dad and get a special soccer ball that has always been rightfully his. With the help of an ex-football coach he learns how to coach a team. But his coaching gets out of control resulting in hilarious situations.The soccer kids where great. Every kid had a different personality and each play there part very nicely. I don't think Will Ferrell needs to give a good performance in this movie he was hilarious and thats all that mattered to me. For those who want to know he was good but not great.This is the ideal family movie. I recommend it for a good time. It has hilarious moments that both kids and adults will love and even relate to.8/10

Among businessmen who design films as moneymaking ventures, there is growing interest in generational demographics. That is, the idea of tuning the product so that it appeals to children and their parents at the same time. If this trick is pulled off, ticket sales will theoretically double. See any Dreamworks Animation feature as a perfect example. You'll see a careful mix of childhood entertainment with just the right amount of nostalgia for the parents mixed in (usually in the vapid form of 70s and 80s pop culture).The specific formula in this case is the middle-aged man who resolves relationship problems with his crotchety father by reverting to his own childhood immaturity. The old grouch is redeemed and simultaneously the main character learns how not to become the same grouchy father himself. This ostensibly appeals to two demographics at once: Middle-aged fathers and kids alike who can revel in the fantasy of having a harmonious relationship with their fathers.This provides very thin scaffolding on which something interesting must be overlain for the film to carry any merit whatsoever. Not the case here, unfortunately.Incidentally, Will Ferrell has honed this character of bratty childish adult, becoming a sought-after performer fit for just this formula. See 'Elf,' for a good example. It's basically the same film as 'Kicking,' the difference being that it was decorated like a tree for the holiday season. Oh, and it's actually slightly funny.