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Kicking and Screaming
By Kimberly Sielen

Release Date: May 13, 2005
MPAA Rating: PG for thematic elements, language, and some crude humor
Starring: Will Ferrell, Robert Duvall
Genre: Family Comedy

All his life Phil Weston (Will Ferrell) has wanted to prove himself to his highly competitive father, Buck (Robert Duvall). The day Phil announced his marriage to Barbara, Buck surprised him with an engagement of his own--to Janice, a much younger woman. The day that Phil's son, Sam, was born, the very spry Buck also had a son, Bucky, who was exactly one ounce heavier. Ten years later, Buck is coaching the Gladiators, the little league soccer team that both his son and grandson play for. However, Buck trades Sam, to the Tigers, the team in last place, and Phil finds himself coaching a young team of non-athletes and misfits. After losing their first game badly, Phil decides he needs some help. Enter Mike Ditka (ex-Chicago Bears and Dallas Cowboys coach who led his teams to Super Bowl victories), Buck's next door neighbor and mortal enemy.

Soon, with the help of Ditka and two new Italian players, the Tigers begin winning, much to the surprise and delight of the parents. Phil, enjoying his victories, quickly realizes that the Tigers have the potential to make the playoffs and face off against his father's team. This discovery spins Phil out of control--he slowly transforms from a laid back and timid coach to a loud, obnoxious, demanding caffeine addict. Everything that Ditka suggests Phil takes to the extreme, from soccer drills to coaching apparel to coffee drinking. In his quest to outdo his father, Phil loses his sense of self and the true meaning of the game. Only at the final game does he realize that he has turned into his worst nightmare--his father, and remembers that it doesn't matter whether you win or lose, as long as you have fun.

Notes to Parents:

Kicking and Screaming contains very mild language and some crude humor. Examples of this humor includes Buck's sporting goods store's slogan, "We've Got Balls," and when Phil protests over his father's engagement, Buck remarks how his wife's been dead over a year. Phil corrects him with, "Mom's not dead, she divorced you." Buck replies, "Same thing." Mild language used is Phil's choice of the word "asinine" over the more vulgar word. The most offensive words are "sucks" (only used once) and "hell;" there is no harsh profanity. There are some mild instances of violence, mostly directed towards Phil and done in a comedic fashion. At Phil's peak of soccer insanity, he pushes one of his players over, but the child is uninjured. His action is uncalled for, but it portrays how far over the edge he went. In the end, Phil redeems himself, and returns to his mild tempered self. There is another moment when Phil, trying to fit in and be 'one of the guys' observes some members of the other team giving a kick to their player's bottoms. Thinking he'll be viewed as 'cool,' he proceeds to kick his son's bottom (with the inside of the foot, not the toe) which only results in irritating his son and making Phil look foolish. Buck has his turn as bat when he pushes the Tiger's wisecracking team member backwards into his swimming pool after the boy makes Buck the brunt of his jokes. No one is hurt in any of these instances.

Kicking and Screaming is appropriate for children seven and up. Younger children may enjoy it, but the language and themes may be too mature for them. One moment in particular may unnerve younger or more sensitive children. The two Italian boys help in their father's butcher shop and, as the father says, "Meat must come first!" in that if the work needed at the shop is not done, the boys cannot play. Needing them badly for a game but knowing their chores are not finished, the whole team chips in and helps to cut up a side of beef or two. Covered in animal blood, the boys emerge from the van in slow motion and while still a mild-mannered team, scare the opposition into forfeiting. Overall, this movie can be enjoyed by athletes and benchwarmers alike, and is fun for the whole family.

 For more information on "Kicking and Screaming," visit their official webpage at:

www.kickingandscreamingmovie.com

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