Movie Review: Home Team Starring Kevin James on Netflix

If you love and enjoy films featuring kids and sports, you’re going enjoy this movie review: Home Team, starring Kevin James on Netflix. The film premieres on Friday, January 28th, streaming on Netflix. The movie is loosely based on the true events that New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton, experienced while on one-year suspension from the NFL. I know what you are thinking, I’m not a Saints fan, well neither am I and I did enjoy this film. Grab your kids and some popcorn, I think you will enjoy it too.

Home Team is a mix between Bad News Bears and Mighty Ducks, with some family issues mixed in and the fun comedy we’ve come to expect from Happy Madison Productions films. I will say that there is a lot to unpack in a film that lasts for ninety minutes. The Argyle Warriors Pop Warner football team, have a terrible record. They haven’t scored a point all season and in comes NFL Super Bowl winning coach Sean Payton. Payton, played by Kevin James is also the father of one of the players on the team. Being that Payton is on suspension he returns to Texas to spend time with his son and ends up joining the coaching staff made up of Twilight’s Taylor Lautner and James’ actual brother, Gary Valentine.

The rest of the cast is a mix of Happy Madison Productions regulars including Rob Schneider. I was surprised to see that production of the film was a mere two months last year and it was shot in New Orleans, LA. The film didn’t feel too rushed, but a lot of the characters could have been a little more involved.

We had the opportunity to speak with Kevin James, make sure to watch the interview below. I was happy that he shared that the thing he took away from the film was the importance of taking time off to spend time and share special moments with his children. “Life moves fast sometimes and we forget what matters most, so I’m more present and try to do special date nights with each of my kids to have those special bonds with each of them.”

Home Team (L-R) Jacob Perez as Marcos, Taylor Lautner as Troy Lambert, Christopher Farrar as Jason, Kevin James as Sean Payton, Gary Valentine as Mitch Bizone, Manny Magnus as Harlan, Tait Blum as Connor. Cr. Scott Yamano/Netflix

What I Loved

I love a good underdog story and this is exactly that. Not only is Sean Payton dealing with the personal issues of having been suspended but this motley mix of kids on the Pop Warner football team are dealing with never having even scored a touchdown then going on to play in the championship game. If you followed the news that summer, you’ll learn that they didn’t win- but they learned about having heart along with a few other life lessons. Make sure to keep an eye out at the end of the film too. And of course the focus on spending time with your kids.

Okay for Kids

Yes, with the PG rating it is good for kids and adults. There are moments that deal with family issues due to divorce, but overall the family dynamic is supportive and loving. Here’s some possible questions you can expect from your kids:

• What did Coach Payton do to get suspended?
• Why did Coach Payton have to live in a hotel?
• Why did everyone throw up during the football game?

About The Film

DIRECTOR: Charles Kinnane and Daniel Kinnane

WRITER:  Christopher Titone & Keith Blum

PRODUCERS:  Happy Madison, Hey Eddie Productions

CAST: Kevin James, Taylor Lautner, Rob Schneider, Jackie Sandler, Gary Valentine, Tait Blum, Maxwell Simkins, Jacob Perez, Bryant Tardy, Manny Magnus, Liam Kyle, Christopher Farrar, Merek Mastrov, Isaiah Mustafa, Christopher Titone, Ashley D. Kelley, Lavell Crawford, Allen Covert, Anthony L. Fernandez, Jared Sandler

LOGLINE: 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.

Watch the Interview

Watch the Trailer