Kicking & Screaming: Cast, News & More!

Mrs. Herminia Russel II 07 May 2025

Is it possible for a comedic narrative to simultaneously dissect the complexities of familial relationships and the pressures of competition? The 2005 film Kicking & Screaming, starring Will Ferrell and Robert Duvall, masterfully proves that it is, delivering a hilarious and surprisingly poignant exploration of these themes. The film, and the reality competition show that followed, use humor to highlight the often-dysfunctional dynamics between parents and children, especially when those relationships are viewed through the lens of athletic achievement or the lack thereof.

The 2005 film Kicking & Screaming, directed by Jesse Dylan, offers a comedic take on the age-old struggle between fathers and sons, set against the backdrop of youth soccer. Will Ferrell shines as Phil Weston, a man whose life has been perpetually overshadowed by his hyper-competitive father, Buck Weston, played with gruff charm by Robert Duvall. Mike Ditka adds his presence, further elevating the cast.

The narrative unfolds as Phil, a lifelong victim of his father's relentless drive, unexpectedly finds himself coaching his son's soccer team. This seemingly innocuous task becomes a catalyst, mirroring the very issues that have defined his relationship with Buck. As Phil attempts to guide his team, he unknowingly replicates his father's overbearing tactics, highlighting the cyclical nature of inherited behaviors. The film cleverly uses the competitive arena of children's soccer to expose the absurdities and pressures inherent in parental expectations.

The film's supporting cast, including Kate Walsh, further enriches the story. The movie finds its heart in the examination of these relationships.

In contrast to the film, the 2017 television series, also titled Kicking & Screaming, takes a different approach. This version is a reality competition show hosted by Hannah Simone. Instead of exploring familial dynamics through the lens of sports, this Kicking & Screaming puts ten teams of an expert survivalist paired with a pampered partner, to the test in the Fijian jungle. This twist offers a whole new level of the exploration of challenges in team work.

The series, which premiered on March 9, 2017, on Fox, tests the limits of partnerships as the participants try to survive in the untamed wilderness, a far cry from the suburban soccer fields of the film. The shows format, created by Matt Kunitz, David Shumsky, and Mark Harris, hinges on the contrast between the seasoned survivalists and their less-experienced counterparts. This inherent tension provides ample opportunities for both humor and dramatic moments.

Here is the table containing the detailed information about Kicking & Screaming (2005 film):

Aspect	Details
Title	Kicking & Screaming
Release Year	2005
Director	Jesse Dylan
Main Actors	Will Ferrell, Robert Duvall, Mike Ditka, Kate Walsh
Genre	Comedy, Sports
Synopsis	A man, burdened by his overbearing father, coaches his son's soccer team and struggles with his own competitive nature.
Themes	Father-son relationships, competition, personal growth
Key Locations	Suburban America, soccer fields
Notable Quotes	"I'm not gonna be like my father."
Rotten Tomatoes Score	50% avg.
Where to Watch	Fandango at Home, Available to purchase or rent.
Reference	IMDB

The 2000s, as some sources suggest, are dragged back onto TV, revisiting the familiar themes of family, competition, and personal growth. The movie has data from ~1.7 million movie & tv show fans per day.

In essence, Kicking & Screaming (both the film and the TV series) explores the various facets of human connection and the impact of competition. The film, with its comedic brilliance, finds humor in the everyday struggles of family life, while the reality show pushes the boundaries of partnership in the raw challenge of jungle survival. Both iterations use their respective formats to delve into the ways individuals confront their own limitations and, in the process, often find themselves in the most unexpected and humorous of situations.

The show has moved up the charts by 495 places since yesterday, showcasing its growing popularity.

For those seeking a deeper dive into the world of Kicking & Screaming, TV Guide offers a wealth of information, including news, photos, and videos. You can also find information on where to watch the movie or stream the TV show, as well as reviews and trailers. The show premiered on Thursday, March 9 at 9 p.m. on Fox.

The series is created by Matt Kunitz, David Shumsky, and Mark Harris. The series premiered on March 9, 2017 on fox, is a competition series that teams 10 expert survivalists with pampered partners to face the toughest challenges of their lives. Host Hannah Simone presents a competition of jungle survival that includes 10 experienced survivalists and 10 novices who are paired up and forced to adjust to life in fiji together as a team for.

The film's narrative also highlights the impact of early experiences. Phil's unathletic life, marked by repeated failures in sports during college, serves as a direct result of his upbringing. These early struggles, and the mental scars they've left, play a crucial role in shaping his interactions with his own son.