This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the movie being covered here wouldn’t exist.

Will Ferrell’s trademark off-the-wall lunacy scores big with the whole family in Kicking and Screaming! Phil Weston (Ferrell) is a mild-mannered suburban dad who is suddenly transformed into a caffeine-fueled sports maniac when he becomes the coach of his son’s unruly soccer team. When the championship pits Phil’s underdog team against the squad coached by his own domineering dad (Robert Duvall), it’s game on for the most uproarious mismatch of the season!

For thoughts on Kicking & Screaming (2005), please check out our discussion on The Video Attic:

[youtube https://youtu.be/_GZkJ0C44NA?t=3693]

Video Quality

Kicking & Screaming comes to Blu-Ray with a 1080p transfer that is enjoyable and represents a fine step up in quality from the old DVD. While I have no specific details about the transfer, this is pretty clearly derived from an older master that holds up well with few signs of age-related wear and tear. A fresh master would be appreciated with its minor improvements, but we are not complaining about this transfer which looks fairly clear and detailed with only occasional moments of excessive softness.

The transfer is naturally filmic with some robust detail in the modern production design and texture of uniforms. Colors are a mighty aspect of the disc with bright, vibrant hues radiating off the screen in elements of the clothing and foliage. Black levels have decent depth and detail with not much in the way of crush. There are no major digital anomalies, but we did spot brief banding and very discrete artifacts in the scene with smoke flowing over the field. This is a very workmanlike presentation for this family film which allows it to look very agreeable.

Audio Quality

Universal Pictures Home Entertainment brings us this Blu-Ray with a lossless DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio mix that executes every element with precision. From the opening narration, the dialogue holds up quite nicely, coming through clearly without being overshadowed by the music or sound effects. The sounds of the kids on the field and parents in the crowd bring rich life to the rear speakers. The movie features some fun tunes which sound great within the mix. The environmental effects are distinguished deftly and are given a proper placement throughout the speakers. There are no action sequences like your typical blockbuster, but there are numerous kinetic sequences that allow the low end to show off in its own way. This is a track that accomplishes precisely what it needs to. There are optional English SDH subtitles provided.

Special Features

Deleted Scenes: There are 12 minutes of unused material provided here featuring some small snippets with Phil & Barbara, the referee, Bucky and more that are amusing enough but were understandably cut for pacing reasons. These are all provided in rough, unfinished form.

Outtakes: There are nine minutes of outtakes provided including ruined takes, forgotten lines, hiccups and more.

Alternate Takes: There are nearly six minutes of unused takes with some alternate line readings.

Kickin’ It With The Kids: A three-minute piece in which the cast and creative team discuss the work of the young performers, the atmosphere on set and more.

Soccer Camp: A nearly eight-minute featurette which takes a look at the efforts put forth to make the soccer footage look as realistic as possible, the training that went getting the performers ready and more.

From Rome To Hollywood: A nine-minute look at the Italian soccer prodigies that turn the tide of the team, the balance of actors and real-life soccer players and more.

Behind The Net – The Making of Kicking & Screaming: A 13-minute piece in which the cast and creative team discuss the origins of the project, all of the performers they bring into the fold, the direction of Jesse Dylan and more.

Final Thoughts

Kicking & Screaming is a quality Will Ferrell comedy that is appropriate and enjoyable for the entire family. Obviously, there are more outrageous films which showcase his comedic abilities, but this one harnesses his manic sensibilities well while also complementing it with major heart. His prickly dynamic with Robert Duvall is rich with laughs, and the kids help accentuate the funny moments rather than slowing things down. If you are currently on a high from watching the World Cup and need more soccer in your life, this hits the spot. Universal Pictures Home Entertainment has released a Blu-Ray with a good A/V presentation and some decent legacy special features. If you are searching for a good family friendly comedy, check this one out. Recommended

Kicking & Screaming can be purchased directly through MovieZyng or through various other online retailers.

Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.

Disclaimer: Universal Pictures Home Entertainment has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.