Overview
A stubborn and hotheaded minor league basketball coach is forced to train a Special Olympics team when he is sentenced to community service.
Movie Review: Champions (2023)
Champions is a 2023 American sports comedy-drama film directed by Bobby Farrelly in his solo directorial debut, from a screenplay written by Mark Rizzo. It is an English-language remake of the 2018 Spanish film of the same name. The film stars Woody Harrelson as a temperamental minor-league basketball coach who after an arrest must coach a team of players with intellectual disabilities as community service; Kaitlin Olson, Ernie Hudson, and Cheech Marin also star.
The film follows Marcus Marakovich (Harrelson), a hot-tempered assistant coach for a minor league basketball team in Iowa. Marcus lets his temper get the best of him during a game and shoves the head coach, Phil. After leaving the stadium, he gets drunk at a bar and while driving home hits a police car, ending up in jail.
The next day, Marcus is bailed out by Phil. He gets into an argument with Phil, believing he was right and if Phil had listened, none of the previous night would have happened. Phil explains why he didn’t listen and advises Marcus to get to know the players more, that they have personal lives that affect their playing.
Marcus is sentenced to community service, and is assigned to coach a team of players with intellectual disabilities. Marcus is initially reluctant, but he eventually comes to care about the team and helps them to become better players. The team also helps Marcus to become a better person.
Champions is a heartwarming and funny film that celebrates the power of sports to bring people together. The film also does a great job of portraying people with intellectual disabilities as complex and well-rounded individuals.
What makes Champions stand out from other sports movies?
One thing that makes Champions stand out from other sports movies is its focus on people with intellectual disabilities. The film does a great job of portraying these individuals as complex and well-rounded people, rather than stereotypes. The film also shows how sports can be a powerful tool for inclusion and empowerment.
Another thing that makes Champions stand out is its humor. The film is funny, but it also has a lot of heart. The characters are relatable and the story is heartwarming.
Is Champions worth watching?
Yes, Champions is definitely worth watching. It is a heartwarming and funny film that celebrates the power of sports to bring people together. The film also does a great job of portraying people with intellectual disabilities as complex and well-rounded individuals. If you are looking for a feel-good movie with a lot of heart, Champions is a great choice.