Kicking & Screaming ***
Cast: Will Ferrell, Robert DuVall, Mike Ditka, Musetta Vander
Director: Jesse Dylan
Running Length: 1:35
MPAA Classification: PG

Phil Weston (Farrell) has never lived up to his dad, Buck's (Duvall), expectations. Buck is a man's man, big on toughness. When he trades his own grandson from the soccer team he coaches, Phil is mad. He sees his son being treated like he was as a child.

Circumstances put Phil in the position of coaching his son's new team. They are really bad, and Phil recruits the help of his dad's neighbor and arch-nemesis, Mike Ditka (gleefully playing a caracature of himself). The get a couple of ringers (kids of the local Italian butcher), and soon find themselves on the winning track. Of course, before the season ends, they will cross paths with Buck's team, and that will be Phil's chance to prove himself once and for all.

"Kicking & Screaming" is a good, funny family movie. Farrell, having long since proven he has escaped the SNL curse, is great and believeable as the sone who just wants his dad to be proud of him. Duvall also shines as the tough as nails dad. Mike Ditka also gives a great performance in a role that pokes some fun at himself. Plot-wise, there is nothing new here. Nonetheless, this is an enjoyable and funny film, and I recommend it.