Title: Kicking & Screaming
Year: 2005
Rating: 5.8
Cast: Will Ferrell, Robert Duvall, Mike Ditka, Kate Walsh, Musetta Vander
Description: Forget the slapstick; 'Kicking & Screaming' (2005) subtly tackles the anxieties of parental expectation and the corrosive nature of competitive youth sports. Through a lens of seemingly lighthearted chaos, the film explores the pressure cooker environment of suburban life, where a child's success becomes inextricably linked to a parent's self-worth. Will Ferrell's performance, while comedic, subtly reveals the vulnerability beneath the boisterous exterior, making his character's journey both hilarious and deeply relatable. The film cleverly avoids simplistic morality tales, instead offering a nuanced exploration of ambition, failure, and the ultimately messy business of family. Ultimately, 'Kicking & Screaming' is a surprisingly poignant comedy that resonates long after the credits roll, prompting reflection on our own competitive instincts and the sacrifices we make in the name of victory.