Matthau is good, and so are the kids.

It's a small film with a lot of charm. The kids are great, as is Matthau, but there's a ton of untapped potential here which is just to bad. I mean, the characters could have used a little more fleshing out; interesting but weak. However, one thing that is made rather plain while watching this, is the fact that it has influenced practically every underdog sports flick since; and that's quite a list. P.S: Matthau gives all the kids beer at the end; it's kind of weird...

Sparkling comedy.

This film is kind of notorious for being extremely non-PC for a PG movie. It doesn't quite live up to its own reputation, but it's alright. I don't really care that much about sports movies, but as far as those go it was pretty good. Clearly there was no reason for a remake. Age has only added the subtext of it being a nostalgic look back to childhood in the 1970s, even though it was never intended as such.

...45 of which are for Matthau. The other 5 is for the surprising vulgarity.

84.250

Pure nostalgia. I think most of the kids on the Bears were my neighbors, or me.

Win, lose, no matter.

The Bad News Bears is rude, profane, and cynical, but shot through with honest, unforced humor, and held together by a deft, understated performance from Walter Matthau.

The Bad News Bears influence on films is obvious even today, with movies like 'The Sandlot', 'The Mighty Ducks', and 'Little Giants' you can see the impression this film had. Sure now the idea of a bum coach bringing together a rag-tag team of losers together to make a team is a cliché but in 1976 this was a fresh idea and they did it perfectly. Walter Matthau is completely awesome in this and whats not great about a bunch of swearing kids who get in fights at the drop of a hat?

This was hysterical when it came out.

It's like "Major League", but with kids. Walter Matthau is great as the coach who couldn't give a damn.

Walter Matthau has the comedic performance of his carrer. Tatum O'Neil and all of the child actors are fantastic. One of the best baseball films ever.

The Godfather of youth baseball films.

I caught this film recently after only having seen it as a child (on its release) and I suggest those who rate it highly rewatch it and adjust your rating as this film is dire.Matthau makes the film bearable with his performance.

Just like how every sport has a great comedy film, each one has a great children's film. The Bad News Bears it that film for baseball, and Walter Mathau is terrific as the craggy coach who doesn't care. Really good!

Hilariously crude, vulgar, children's (?) film.

I wish there were more comedies like this these days - dirty and crude and edgy, without feeling raunchy and over-the-top. "Tanner got in a fight?" "With who?" "The seventh grade."

Matthau is exceptionally well-cast here. A fun sports movie, especially for kids.

Fun movie for kids.