Bad News Bears (2005)

Bad News Bears (2005) is a raucous, heartwarming sports comedy about an unlikely coach and a team of lovable misfits who try to turn their losing little-league squad into winners. Morris Buttermaker, a down-on-his-luck, cigar-smoking ex–minor leaguer who now works as an exterminator, takes the job for the money and reluctantly assembles a ragtag group of 12-year-olds. He recruits standout pitcher Amanda Whurlitzer — the quiet, talented girl — and the scrappy, rebellious Kelly Leak, then tries to whip the team into shape against a perfectionist rival team, the Yankees. If you watch this movie you’ll get a mix of broad, often crude comedy and genuine, tender moments. Expect plenty of foul language, irreverent jokes, locker-room one-liners and chaotic game scenes balanced by sincere character beats: the kids’ growth, awkward mentorship, and a slow-but-earnest redemptive arc for Buttermaker. There are classic underdog elements — training montages, unlikely plays, and a high-stakes championship rivalry — that deliver sports excitement and catharsis. Tone-wise the film is bawdy and playful, leaning into its characters’ flaws while still delivering emotional payoffs. Viewers will laugh at the salty humor, root for the kids when they start to gel, and feel a surprising warmth as the team finds confidence and camaraderie. It’s a crowd-pleasing blend of comedy and heart for fans of feel-good sports movies and irreverent adult humor.

Actors: Billy Bob Thornton, Greg Kinnear, Marcia Gay Harden

Director: Richard Linklater

Runtime: 113 min

Genres: Comedy, Sport

65 /100 5.8 /10 6.2 /10