Movie: Kicking and Screaming
Rating:
Reviewer: Julie Wagoner

So how many times have you seen the new Star Wars flick? It is understandable to desire multiple viewings of such a great film but staleness will eventually catch up. Before you retire your plastic light saber to your closet, consider taking your soccer loving brother, sister, or cousin to see Kicking and Screaming. The movie will not take your mind off Star Wars but for those who have ever participated in a soccer game, this movie will make you reminisce. Unfortunately, that's all the movie has to offer. But, don't consider it a complete waste. You may learn a few lessons from Kicking and Screaming to help enhance your performance as a Jedi Knight. Well, not really but you'll learn that playing the game is all about having fun. After all, isn't that the theme for most sports movies?

Even before he could walk, Phil Weston (Will Ferrell) was pressured to become the very best at soccer. His competitive father/coach made it clear that it was necessary to be a winner so he often benched Phil to allow better players to win every game. As an adult, Phil continues to try to win the approval of his father by proving he's capable of handling his own soccer team. This decision came after Phil's father traded Phil's son to the loser team because he wasn't the best player. Phil's motive turns to beating his dad's team. This becomes more and more apparent as Ditka, the Weston's neighbor who despises Phil's dad, joins the team as assistant coach and then introduces Phil to the wonder that is coffee. Needless to say, the newly transformed coach becomes addicted to coffee and quickly turns into a mild version of Bobby Knight.

While Will Ferrell's character turns to the dark side, the team is having fun by sticking to the routine of passing it to the two Italian boys on the team. While the team knows their goal is to get the ball to the Italians, they continue to play around and have fun with the game at practice. Eventually, this move is recognized by Phil's dad who uses his entire team to block the two players then steal the ball to score. But, as we all know, practice makes perfect and the quirky physical characteristics of each player contribute to a successful win for the tigers. These quirks are really all that hold this movie together since the plot itself is too predictable.

I suggest soccer fans see the movie on the big screen but if you are looking for a movie where Will Ferrell delivers a top notch performance, save your money for Bewitched. Ferrell gives the audience some of his best traits in his character Phil but they aren't as visible since his character is stuck in an everyday situation for parents. An argument could be made that the movie rating has something to do with the lack of Ferrell's antics but he pulled off Elf too well for me to blame it on the rating. I am going to throw a red flag and blame the overused script for the failure of this movie. So are you really doing yourself a favor by taking a break from Star Wars? Unless you're a devoted soccer fan, probably not.