Kicking & Screaming

The story follows Phil Weston, a lifelong underachiever in sports, whose son Sam seems destined to follow the same path. When Phil’s father benches Sam from his soccer team, Phil transfers his son to a less competitive team and steps up as the coach. This decision sparks a rivalry between father and son, now competing against each other from the sidelines.

Will Ferrell’s comedic style drives the film’s humor, while Robert Duvall portrays Phil’s stern, competitive father, adding layers to the family conflict. The cast also includes Mike Ditka, Kate Walsh, and a young Josh Hutcherson, contributing to the film’s mix of established and emerging talent.

Directed by Jesse Dylan, known for blending humor with relatable family themes, the film fits within early 2000s sports comedies. It was produced by Mosaic Media Group and runs just over 90 minutes, making it a concise, accessible watch.

Collectors will find Kicking & Screaming available on DVD, a common format for family comedies of this era. Its appeal lies in the casting of Will Ferrell during his rise in comedy, and the film’s focus on youth sports and family rivalry, which resonates with a broad audience. While not a cult classic, it represents a niche in sports-related family comedies from the mid-2000s.