Bad News Bears (2005)

Whereas "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" does not try to remake "Willy Wonka", "The Bad News Bears" is nearly identical to the 1976 classic with Walter Matthau. Somehow though, they lose the heartfelt moments of the original, with the result being a vulgar production that will make those who like politically incorrect laugh out loud. At the same time, I apparently was not the only one shocked by the language that seemed less than PG-13, as a few families with children actually left the theater. Be warned!

What does Santa do during the summer? Well, a "Bad Santa" apparently coaches little league baseball. At least that's how Billy Bob Thornton portrays his Coach Buttermaker. How does the coach treat the team after their first victory? Take them to Hooters of course! Who does the coach turn to for team sponsorship for uniforms? A gentlemen's club of course! Even if he wasn't an alcoholic down-on-his-luck former minor league baseball player who now fumigates homes, you do have to sympathize for him when you meet the team of misfits he is given. While the Bears are the most culturally mixed team ever, each member also brings anger-management and/or self-esteem issues, and a complete inability to field a ball, to the diamond.

Unfortunately, there are a number of issues off the field but on the screen that work against the movie. While Thornton is funny, every other adult character lacks any believability whatsoever. A couple of the child actors are decent, but most struggle with their acting skills as much as they do with their baseball skills. Plus, the side story that is suppose to soften Buttermaker's character, where he finally warms up to his pre-teen daughter (Sammi Kane Kraft), fails miserably as Billy Bob lacks a soft side and Kraft's pitching ability far exceeds her acting ability.

"The Bad News Bears" could be worth renting if you're a high school male, but it certainly is not for children. I left the theater wanting to see the original again. I don't have the same feelings for this remake. I give this one a C-.

"The Bad News Bears" is rated PG-13 with a running time of 111 minutes.