The Bad News Bears (1977)
On the surface, The Bad News Bears may appear to follow the familiar formula of a sports movie about an underdog team finding unity under the guidance of a tough coach. However, the original film is notable for its inclusion of profanity, underage drinking, and even instances of violence, which make it highly improbable that a similar film would be made in today’s climate. The 2005 remake of the film already toned down the story considerably, reflecting the evolving cultural landscape. Over the past 15+ years, societal norms and sensibilities have shifted even further, demanding more responsible and family-friendly portrayals of youth sports and the values they promote.