I was able to see the movie early in order to facilitate this review and received some promotional items. All opinions are my own.
When I was growing up, my teachers often played movies for us in class on days when they just weren’t feeling it. I grew up during the golden era of feel-good sports movies: The Mighty Ducks, Space Jam, Air Bud, Remember the Titans- the list goes on. They were popular for a reason- everyone loves rooting for something, and sports movies give you characters- and teams- to cheer for.
Because of the sheer number of inspirational sports movies I’ve seen in my day, I wasn’t sure if Home Team would be able to offer anything different. But while it has some of the things you’d expect- and hope for- in a sports movie, Home Team actually breaks the mold in some really enjoyable ways.
About the Movie:
Two years after a Super Bowl win when NFL head coach Sean Payton is suspended, he goes back to his hometown and finds himself reconnecting with his 12 year old son by coaching his Pop Warner football team.
When I first saw the trailer for Home Team, I figured it would be a movie about an NFL coach who brings his son’s football team to victory. And while I don’t want to spoil the ending, I will say that it was refreshing not seeing the same formula we’re used to seeing in that regard.
But Home Team does more than just change the ending- the whole movie is less of a sports movie and more of a movie about a family who bonds over sports. Yes, Sean Payton was {still is- this is based on a true story, by the way} an NFL coach and he did coach his son’s team, but the movie is more about the growth that Sean experienced, along with his changing relationship with his son and even his outlook on what matters in life.
This movie has a lot of great messages, including that winning isn’t everything. It’s a positive movie that the whole family can enjoy, and while it’s not the typical laugh-for-90-minutes-straight comedy that you may be used to from Kevin James, it has plenty of hilarious moments.
Heads up for parents: the movie does include some language but nothing too over the top- punka** and d**n are the worst of it. As far as mature themes, there is one scene where a character is clearly interested in another and flirts heavily, but nothing inappropriate happens.
This movie is far from the first sports movie, and far from the last as well, but it’s worth a watch if you have football fans. It has something for everyone- whether you’re there for the game, the lessons, or the laughter.
If you’re looking for something to watch with the family this weekend, be sure to check out Home Team starring Kevin James on Netflix!
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