Wildcats is a 1986 American sports comedy film directed by Michael Ritchie, starring Goldie Hawn, James Keach, Swoosie Kurtz, Jan Hooks, Wesley Snipes and Woody Harrelson.
Plot[]
High school track coach Molly McGrath (Goldie Hawn) takes a job as the football coach at an inner-city high school, facing racial & gender prejudice along the way and also fighting for custody of her two daughters from her ex-husband.
Cast[]
- Goldie Hawn as Molly McGrath
- Swoosie Kurtz as Verna McGrath
- Robyn Lively as Alice Needham
- Brandy Gold as Marian Needham
- James Keach as Frank Needham
- Jan Hooks as Stephanie Needham
- Bruce McGill as Dan Darwell
- Nipsey Russell as Ben Edwards
- Mykelti Williamson as Levander "Bird" Williams
- Tab Thacker as Phillip Finch
- Wesley Snipes as Trumaine
- Nick Corri as Cerulo
- Woody Harrelson as Krushinski
- Willie J. Walton as Marvel
- Rodney Hill as Peanut
Production[]
The filming dates began in May of 1985 in Chicago, Illinois.
The football stadium scenes were filmed at the Lane Technical College Prep High School.
Box Office[]
"Wildcats" opened at #4 at the box office, grossing $5,472,905 during its opening weekend, coming in behind films Down and Out in Beverly Hills, The Color Purple and The Delta Force.
Domestically, it made $26,285,544.
Critical Reception[]
The movie was given a 13% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 16 reviews with an average rating of 3.9\10.
Roger Ebert gave it a rating of two in a half stars, saying the movie was "clearly an attempt by [Goldie] Hawn to repeat a formula that was wonderfully successful in Private Benjamin".
About Goldie Hawn's performance in the film, Janet Maslin from the New York Times said, "The film isn't truly a waste of her talents, but neither does it give her a chance to do much more than repeat some familiar tricks".
Variety magazine said, "Michael Ritchie’s direction lacks his usual bite and eye for detail. There is nothing spontaneous about the action and football footage is also surprisingly dull".
Accolades[]
Young Artist Awards
- Exceptional Performance by a Young Actress Starring in a Feature Film- Comedy or Drama: Robyn Lively (nominated)
