Kicking & Screaming
Kicking & Screaming
Family man Phil Weston, a lifelong victim of his father's competitive nature, takes on the coaching duties of a kids' soccer team, and soon realizes that he's also taking on his father's dysfunctional way of relating.
Manuel Frangis reviewedApril 17, 2025
I just watched Kicking & Screaming, and I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars. This movie is hilarious. It’s one of those comedies that doesn’t try to be anything deep — it just wants to make you laugh, and it totally succeeds. It’s got the perfect mix of over-the-top sports chaos, awkward family drama, and classic Will Ferrell energy that gets funnier the more unhinged he becomes. I’ve seen it a bunch of times, and it still cracks me up.
Will Ferrell plays Phil Weston, this super mild-mannered, people-pleasing guy who’s always lived in the shadow of his ultra-competitive dad, played by Robert Duvall. Phil ends up coaching his son’s terrible soccer team, and at first, he’s all about positive vibes and sportsmanship — until things start falling apart. That’s when the caffeine kicks in, the yelling starts, and the movie goes from sweet to full-blown madness in the best way.
Ferrell is in his element here. The way he transforms from a soft-spoken dad into a hyper-competitive lunatic is just perfect. He goes from handing out orange slices and saying “good try” to yelling at kids, wearing full tracksuits, and treating youth soccer like the World Cup. It’s absurd, but that’s what makes it so good. You can tell he’s having a blast with the role, and the comedy lands because he commits to every second of it.
Robert Duvall is great as the tough, no-nonsense dad who never lets up. His character is the reason Phil is the way he is, and the way the two of them go back and forth is both funny and weirdly real. It’s one of those classic father-son rivalries that’s exaggerated to the max, and it totally works. Then you throw Mike Ditka into the mix — playing himself — and it just gets funnier. He’s grumpy, intense, and somehow fits into the chaos perfectly. Him yelling at kids with a cigar in his mouth? Comedy gold.
The team of kids in this movie are all little weirdos, and I mean that in the best way. They’re not athletes, they’re not cool, but they’re lovable. Watching them slowly come together, get better, and actually start winning is super fun. And the two Italian soccer prodigies that Phil recruits? They take things to a whole new level. Every time they touch the ball, it’s like a sports highlight reel, and it drives everyone crazy — especially the parents.
The best part about Kicking & Screaming is how it balances the ridiculous comedy with a little bit of heart. It’s not trying to be emotional, but it still sneaks in a solid message about parenting, pressure, and remembering why you play the game in the first place. It reminds you that winning isn’t everything — especially when you’re screaming at ten-year-olds over a missed goal. It’s goofy, but it gets the point across.
I give Kicking & Screaming 4.5 out of 5 stars because it’s one of those comedies that never gets old. It’s got great energy, laugh-out-loud moments, and just enough heart to keep it grounded. Will Ferrell is at his chaotic best, and it turns something as simple as kids’ soccer into a hilarious mess. Overall Kicking & Screaming is a loud, silly, feel-good sports comedy that hits every beat. It’s one of those movies that’s easy to rewatch, quote, and just have a great time with — especially if you’ve ever dealt with competitive parents or been on a losing team.