Kicking & Screaming (2005)
Synopsis:
Kicking & Screaming follows Phil Weston, a mild-mannered dad who takes on the role of coach for his son's soccer team, the Tigers. The team is a ragtag group of kids who haven't had much success on the field. Phil's competitive nature kicks in when he finds himself up against his own father, Buck, who coaches the rival team, the Gladiators. As Phil tries to lead the Tigers to victory, he enlists the help of Mike Ditka, a neighbor and former football coach, to give the team an edge. The movie showcases the ups and downs of the soccer season, with Phil navigating the challenges of coaching, family dynamics, and the pressure to win. The story unfolds with plenty of comedic moments as the Tigers face off against their opponents.
Where To Watch: Kicking & Screaming
Parental Feedback
Kicking & Screaming, released in 2005, is a family sports comedy film rated PG, making it suitable for kids. The movie combines humor and heartwarming moments, focusing on themes of competition and family dynamics. Parents generally have mixed feelings about the film, with some appreciating its comedic elements and positive messages, while others are concerned about certain behaviors portrayed.
Why Kids Should Watch Kicking & Screaming
The movie offers a fun and engaging experience with valuable lessons for young viewers.
- Promotes teamwork and perseverance
- Features a humorous and relatable character arc with the protagonist
- Includes entertaining soccer scenes that kids enjoy
- Highlights the importance of family support
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch Kicking & Screaming
Some parents express concerns about the film's portrayal of certain behaviors.
- Displays competitive pressure that might be intense for some children
- Includes scenes of adult temper tantrums that could be seen as problematic
- Some humor may be confusing or inappropriate for younger kids
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Parents are divided—some love it, others raise concerns about the portrayal of competitive behavior.
What Parents Should Know About Kicking & Screaming
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | The movie shows characters learning to work together as a team, emphasizing cooperation. |
| Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | The pressure to win and the protagonist's outbursts may require parental guidance to explain. |
| Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Yes, the protagonist learns from his mistakes and changes his approach to coaching. |
| Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | Teamwork is a central theme, with characters learning to support each other on and off the field. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The core message is about the importance of family and finding joy in the game rather than just winning. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Kicking & Screaming is praised for its humor and positive messages about teamwork and family. However, some parents are concerned about the competitive pressure and certain adult behaviors depicted. Watching the movie with your child can provide opportunities to discuss these themes and reinforce the positive messages. For those seeking alternatives, consider other family-friendly sports comedies that focus on teamwork and personal growth.
Official Kicking & Screaming Trailer
The Core Values Learned From Kicking & Screaming
Kicking & Screaming's most common core values include Family love, Teamwork, and Determination. The movie showcases Family Love through the evolving relationship between Phil and his son, as they navigate the challenges of the soccer season together. Teamwork is highlighted as the ragtag group of kids learns to work together on the field, overcoming their differences to achieve a common goal.
Determination is evident in Phil's relentless efforts to improve the team's performance, even when faced with setbacks and personal challenges. These core values are woven into the storyline, providing children with examples of how perseverance and collaboration can lead to success.
Other Core Values Explored: Growth mindset | Leadership | Respect | Making good choices | Encouraging others | Self-confidence | Perseverance | Standing up for what's right | Apologizing | Forgiveness | Emotional growth | Building confidence. | Kindness
The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From Kicking & Screaming
Letting Go of Control: In Kicking & Screaming, Phil learns the importance of letting go of control as he navigates the challenges of coaching his son's soccer team. Initially, Phil's desire to win leads him to make decisions that aren't always in the best interest of the team. As the story progresses, he realizes that allowing the kids to have fun and play their own game is more important than micromanaging every move. This lesson teaches kids that sometimes stepping back and trusting others can lead to better outcomes.
Working as a Team: The movie emphasizes the value of teamwork as the Tigers, a group of underdogs, must come together to improve their skills and support each other on the field. Through practice and cooperation, the team learns that working together is key to overcoming challenges and achieving success. This lesson shows children that collaboration and unity can make a big difference in reaching common goals.
Never Giving Up: The Tigers face numerous obstacles throughout their soccer season, but they learn the importance of perseverance. Despite initial setbacks and tough opponents, the team continues to push forward, demonstrating that determination and resilience are crucial in overcoming difficulties. Kids learn that even when the odds are against them, it's important to keep trying and never give up.
Owning Your Mistakes: Phil's journey as a coach is filled with ups and downs, and he makes several mistakes along the way. However, he learns to own up to his errors and make amends, setting a positive example for the kids. This lesson teaches children the importance of taking responsibility for their actions and learning from their mistakes to grow and improve.
Supporting Your Friends: Throughout the movie, the kids on the team learn to support one another both on and off the field. They cheer each other on, offer encouragement, and celebrate each other's successes. This lesson highlights the importance of being there for friends and showing kindness and support, which helps build strong and lasting friendships.
Other Lessons Learned: Believing in Yourself | Building Friendships | Choosing Forgiveness | Embracing Differences | Learning from Mistakes | Practicing Patience
Why Kids Love Kicking & Screaming
Kicking & Screaming is a hilarious ride where kids are drawn into the chaotic world of youth soccer, filled with funny characters and slapstick comedy. The Tigers, a team of lovable misfits, stumble through silly jokes and pranks, making every game an unpredictable adventure. Kids will laugh at the awkward situations and mishaps that the team encounters, as they try to outsmart adults and find their unique strengths. The movie is a whirlwind of slapstick humor and unexpected twists, where teamwork and family bonds shine through the chaos.
As the Tigers face off against their rivals, the Gladiators, kids will be on the edge of their seats, cheering for the underdogs and enjoying the playful antics. With its mix of humor, action, and heartwarming moments, Kicking & Screaming is a fun-filled experience that keeps kids entertained and rooting for the team from start to finish.