Wildcats

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Wildcats

R

Released Feb 14, 1986

1h 47m

Comedy

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Popcornmeter

30%

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20 Reviews

49%

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5,000+ Ratings

Molly McGrath (Goldie Hawn) is following her dreams when she quits her cushy girls track coaching position at Prescott High to become the boys football coach at inner-city Central High. Even though she's faced with both racial and gender prejudices, she whips the team into shape, so they can compete against Prescott High in the final. All the while, Molly is also dealing with her ex-husband, Frank Needham (James Keach), who is trying to get custody of their two young daughters.

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Variety Staff

Variety

When Goldie Hawn tangles with high school varsity coach Bruce McGill, anyone can foresee the final confrontation.

Jul 22, 2008

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Time Out

Instead of 'believe in yourself', the message becomes simply 'make believe'.

Jan 26, 2006

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Janet Maslin

New York Times

All too predictably, Molly rises to this challenge.

Rated: 2/5

May 20, 2003

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David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

...familiar territory that is, for the most part, employed to compulsively watchable effect...

Rated: 3/4

Feb 17, 2025

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Brian Orndorf

Blu-ray.com

"Wildcats" doesn't reach its potential, but it's mild entertainment for those hunting for something that's easy on the senses.

Rated: B-

May 29, 2021

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Kathi Maio

Sojourner

[Swoozie] Kurtz manages an understated yet thoroughly engaging performance, one that makes you wish Hollywood would be smart enough to give this woman a lead role once in a while.

Aug 22, 2019

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Tony W

Such a fun feel good comedy from the 80s.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/24/24

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Steve D

It is fine but you have seen it all before.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

08/30/23

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Christopher R

Always a great watch.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/15/23

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Audience Member

I mean, I always dig early Goldie Hawn movies, so I may be biased, but it's just a fun old fashioned sports comedy. Everything is pretty predictable, but it doesn't stop it from still being a good time, even if it probably wouldn't pass today's standards. If you're curious to see Wesley Snipes or Woody Harrelsons dongs though, give er a go.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

12/05/21

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robert p

Nothing to write home about, just a mediocre comedy!!!

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

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Audience Member

Looking through the audience reviews, I get the feeling that most of the people who like this movie are remembering it through their childhood 80's rainbow shades rather than reviewing it for what it really is....schlock. There are a few laughs and a good future star-making cast, but the 80's sports movie tropes are out in force, and the predictability is galling. If you believe that any of Wildcats' plot might actually happen in real life, the drugs have taken over and rehab may be for you. To think an inner city, mostly black football team is going to completely change their tune about a white female coach simply because of a long-distance running bet is not even a stretch. It's an embarrassment of fantasy. Her rah-rah speeches are about as corny as they come, as are some of the characters, like the villainous Bruce McGill's coach. This one is nothing more than a mindless late-night time filler with a couple of laughs and a chance to remember Snipes, Harrelson, and Hawn in their earlier days.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

01/28/23

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Michael Ritchie

Director

Goldie Hawn

Molly McGrath

Nipsey Russell

Ben Edwards

Swoosie Kurtz

Verna McGrath

Robyn Lively

Alice Needham

Brandy Gold

Marian Needham

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Synopsis

Molly McGrath (Goldie Hawn) is following her dreams when she quits her cushy girls track coaching position at Prescott High to become the boys football coach at inner-city Central High. Even though she's faced with both racial and gender prejudices, she whips the team into shape, so they can compete against Prescott High in the final. All the while, Molly is also dealing with her ex-husband, Frank Needham (James Keach), who is trying to get custody of their two young daughters.

Director: Michael Ritchie
Production Co: Warner Bros.
Rating: R
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Feb 14, 1986, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 10, 2008
Box Office (Gross USA): $23.6M
Runtime: 1h 47m
Sound Mix: Surround

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