45
Metascore
33 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 75Charlotte ObserverLawrence ToppmanCharlotte ObserverLawrence ToppmanFerrell's ideally suited to man-boy characters, and that's what Phil Weston is in "Kicking."
- 75Christian Science MonitorDavid SterrittChristian Science MonitorDavid SterrittSome scenes are just silly, others are dead-on uproarious. Ditka, a real-life football legend, is a real find as our hero's assistant.
- 70The Hollywood ReporterMichael RechtshaffenThe Hollywood ReporterMichael RechtshaffenLaughs-wise, it lacks the raucous edge of an "Old School" or "Anchorman" or the retro charm of an "Elf," but there's still plenty of Will-power to fuel this likable underdog trifle. It certainly is more enjoyable than a lot of what passes for family entertainment these days.
- 70VarietyScott FoundasVarietyScott FoundasAn immensely likable, funny comedy that finds a novel approach to that familiar combo of kids and sports.
- 70Dallas ObserverLuke Y. ThompsonDallas ObserverLuke Y. ThompsonThis might be the most predictable movie of the year, but at least it delivers everything you expect it to.
- 67Entertainment WeeklyOwen GleibermanEntertainment WeeklyOwen GleibermanKicking & Screaming may be a prefab cartoon out of the "Bad News Bears" cookie cutter, but Ferrell doesn't just save this junk -- he rules it.
- 63Philadelphia InquirerSteven ReaPhiladelphia InquirerSteven ReaFor soccer aficionados, Kicking & Screaming boasts some fairly cool play, courtesy of Alessandro Ruggiero and Francesco Liotti, two kids who play "the Italians."
- 50Village VoiceVillage VoiceEven the intermittent laughs undermine Kicking and its winning-isn't-everything message.
- 50The New York TimesDana StevensThe New York TimesDana StevensAt best, this film is half-inflated.
- 25Miami HeraldConnie OgleMiami HeraldConnie OgleCrushingly inept family comedy.