Kicking & Screaming

Phil Weston, an ordinary man, wrestles with the emotional scars left by his father's relentless competitiveness. This internal conflict shapes his identity and influences his role as both a husband and a father.

Phil's father, Buck Weston, is the coach of the Gladiators, the leading little-league soccer team. With Sam on the team, Phil experiences a blend of pride and frustration as Buck sidelines his son during games, reigniting Phil's childhood traumas.

In a surprising move, Buck transfers Sam to the struggling Tigers, leaving Phil feeling helpless and angry. This decision sets off a chain reaction that pushes Phil into an unexpected coaching role.

With the Tigers' regular coach absent, Phil steps up to coach the team full-time. His enthusiasm cannot compensate for the team's poor performance, leading to an uphill battle from the beginning.

In a bid to improve the Tigers' fortunes, Phil approaches Mike Ditka, a neighbor and rival of Buck, to become his assistant coach. Together, they implement rigorous training in hopes of securing a win against Buck.

The team's luck begins to change with the arrival of Gian Piero and Massimo, two talented Italian brothers. Their exceptional skills lead the Tigers on an unexpected winning streak, igniting hope for the season.

As the rivalry intensifies, Phil and Buck place a bet surrounding the championship game. If Buck's Gladiators win, Phil will sell his business; if the Tigers win, Buck must return Phil’s treasured Pelé Ball.

Driven by the desire to win, Phil transforms from a supportive father to an aggressive coach. His new mantra for the team, 'Get the ball to the Italians,' causes tension and discontent among the other players.

In a critical moment of misguided ambition, Phil benches his own son Sam during the semi-finals. This decision marks a significant low point for Phil, highlighting the damaging effects of his competitiveness.

The championship match between the Tigers and Gladiators kicks off, with Buck's team taking an early lead. As the tension mounts, Phil's emotional turmoil becomes evident, reflecting his inner battle between winning and family.

During halftime, conversation with Sam sparks an epiphany for Phil about his harsh coaching methods. He decides to abandon his prior strategies, encouraging the team to focus on collaboration rather than individual talent.

Inspiring team spirit leads the Tigers to rally against the Gladiators despite being down. They close the score gap, showcasing determination and teamwork that contrasts Phil's earlier mindset.

In a climactic moment, Sam scores the winning goal against his Uncle Buck, leading the Tigers to a stunning 4-3 victory. This moment represents not only a win for the team but also a redemption for Phil's relationship with his son.

In the aftermath of the championship, Phil graciously declines the Pelé Ball, prioritizing the importance of family reconciliation over competitive rivalry with his father. This marks a turning point in their relationship.

The film wraps up with a comedic scene showcasing the merger of Phil’s and Buck’s businesses. The joyful Tigers proclaim a catchy tagline, highlighting a newfound unity and the humorous side of competition.