Review: Soccer (sorry internationals, I’m using the American word here), it’s the world’s most watched and played sport. Despite it’s popularity, the genre has received little “good” film treatment. So naturally, when Susan Koch’s documentary Kicking It came out, soccer fans flocked to see their beloved sport immortalized on the big screen. Ok, that’s a bit of an overstatement, but the truth is, Koch’s film is certainly something all sports fans can appreciate. And the story’s impact on the poor and homeless adds an extra layer anyone can appreciate. Colin Farrell’s presence, naturally, will help ease the viewing pleasure for any lady friend dragged to see this movie. But the popular Irish actor (along with the Irish band, U2) serve as after thoughts to the filmmaking that border on the absurd and incredibly cheesy. Farrell is only in the opening and closing moments and takes on a serious demeanor that’ll make you believe your watching an infomercial to save starving kids in Africa. U2’s presence also merely ramps up the cheese factor and isolates Ireland as the lone bastion of true soccer love (and I always thought they were known for Guinness and potatoes… but I digress). Despite this Irish cheese factor, Kicking It is a surprisingly well thought out and well developed story. The film follows several teams from various countries- each demonstrating their own problems and triumphs. And it's amazing to see these challenges played out throughout the tournament. Though the Russian team's struggles are sorely under investigated and some of the more engaging characters play out as minor figures, the overall selection is impressive and helps Kicking It walk the fine line between sports heroics and introspective development. Above all else, Susan Koch never strays too far from the reality of her subjects. Outside of Colin Farrell's presence, the documentary never turns too cheesy, nor does it demand action. It merely presents each characters reality as it occurs. Some of the stories result in uplifting endings, others result in pessismistic closure- the spectrum varies greatly. Ultimately, audiences will feel upbeat about what they've seen, as well they should. The competition they witness is meant to have a positive impact on the homeless population world wide and it's clear this goal is beign achieved each and every year. Will soccer teams be lining up to scout these players? Probably not, but fans certainly will be flocking to see the fringe of soceity take center stage. Review by Matthew Abshire Informative: 4- some minor characters deserve more focus, but the players lives are detailed quite well for audiences Entertainment: 4 - touching stories with a hint of national (and even international) pride Technical: 3- the filmmaking admits to a readjusting focus, but that doesn't detract too much from the film Overall: 4- not quite on the level of Hoosiers, but it'll make you proud to be a fan
 
Format: DVD Year: 2008 Running Time: 99 Min Distributor: Red Envelope Entertainment, ESPN and Liberation Entertainment Producer: Jeff Werner, Ted Leonsis, Jedd Wider, Todd Wider Director: Susan Koch Date Reviewed: 5-20-2009 Story: Filmmaker Susan Koch's touching documentary follows six homeless soccer players battling poverty and addiction as they prepare to compete in the Fourth Annual Homeless World Cup in Cape Town, South Africa. Hailing from places as far reaching as Afghanistan, Kenya, Ireland, Spain, Russia and North Carolina, 500 dispossessed athletes use the level playing field of competitive sports to regain their dignity and transform their lives (NetFlix).