HOME TEAM is the 10th film in Netflix's partnership with Adam Sandler's Happy Madison productions. Kevin James takes on the role of Sean Payton, the New Orleans Saints head coach who was the subject of scandal following the Saints' 2009 Super Bowl win. The sports comedy HOME TEAM follows Payton after his 2012 football season suspension as he coaches his preteen son's football team to a championship.
HOME TEAM (C) TAIT BLUM as CONNOR. CR. SCOTT YAMANO/NETFLIX
Netflix HOME TEAM Review – What Works
Kevin James, though widely known for his comedic background, delivers a believable performance as Sean Payton. He brings heart and depth to the role of Sean Payton as Payton focuses on his relationship with son Connor (Tait Blum).
HOME TEAM (L-R) KEVIN JAMES as SEAN PAYTON, TAIT BLUM as CONNOR. CR. SCOTT YAMANO/NETFLIX
With its upscale Waterboy vibe and 90s feel, this Happy Madison Productions film draws on not only many of its usual cast of characters but also some other actors such as Taylor Lautner playing Coach Troy Lambert.
This heart-warming journey makes for a charming football film geared toward middle school boys with elements football fans of all ages will find enjoyable, especially those who are fans of Adam Sandler's style of filmmaking. Though based loosely on true events, it's not necessary to be familiar with the Saints Bountygate to appreciate the movie as a whole.
HOME TEAM. SUNNY SANDLER as BROOKE. CR. SCOTT YAMANO/NETFLIX
Netflix HOME TEAM Cameos and Easter Eggs
As expected with any Happy Madison production, there are plenty of cameos and supporting roles from some fan-favorite notorious comedic cast:
- Rob Schneider (Jamie)
- Jackie Sandler (Beth)
- Eric Sandler (hotel clerk)
- Gary Valentine (Mitch Bizone)
- Sunny Sandler (Brooke)
- Chloe Fineman (Intern Emily)
- Isaiah Mustafa (Porcupine Coach)
- Sean Payton (Lionel the janitor)
- Vince Lombardi Trophy (itself)
The pizza delivery guy is wearing a t-shirt that reads “Titone's Pizza.” Chris Titone is one of the film's writers.
Jason Witten, Former Dallas Cowboys NFL tight end and the current coach of the Liberty Christian Warriors in Argyle, Texas, was the technical advisor on the film.
Sean Payton did not call Bill Cowher in real life; he actually called Bill Parcels for advice on how to beat the offense he had not seen before.
HOME TEAM. ISAIAH MUSTAFA as PORCUPINE COACH. CR. SCOTT YAMANO/NETFLIX
Netflix HOME TEAM Review – What Doesn't Work
The plot is relatively predictable given that the movie is based loosely on true events; that certainly isn't a fan favorite for all movie watchers. While filled with heart and some humor, much of the humor is driven by cameos that won't make sense to those unfamiliar with Happy Madison Productions.
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. Photo: Scott Yamano/Netflix
About HOME TEAM
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 HOME TEAM Trailer
HOME TEAM (L-R) Rob Schneider as Jamie, Kevin James as Sean Payton, Jackie Sandler as Beth, Tait Blum as Connor. Photo: Patti Perret/Netflix.
RATING: PG for crude material, language, and some suggestive references
**for those with sensitive stomachs, there is a scene with vomiting that is pretty gross**
RUNTIME: 95 minutes
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
HOME TEAM is streaming on Netflix on January 28.
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