Synopsis: A classic comedy about growing up!
A major surprise as one of 1976’s top-grossing films, The Bad News Bears is a movie about children that is refreshing, utterly believable, and quite cleverly funny. Walter Matthau is at his absolute best as the grumbling, beer-guzzling former minor-league pitcher who gets roped into coaching a band of half-pint misfits somewhat loosely called a team. With this bunch in uniform, it’s impossible to get caught up in the suburban competitive spirit that drives other adults to extremes of parental discipline. So, instead, the Bears have a good time.
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It doesn’t surprise me that his movie spawned two sequels, a TV series, and a remake. I mean, it doesn’t hit it out of the park, but it’s sure got a lot of heart 
…and it avoids some of the sports movies cliches, which is a plus 
thecriticaleye 