Cast
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Woody Harrelson
as Marcus
Kaitlin Olson
as Alex
Cheech Marin
as Julio
Matt Cook
as Sonny
Ernie Hudson
as Coach Phil Peretti
Madison Tevlin
as Cosentino
Joshua Felder
as Darius
Kevin Iannucci
as Johnny
Ashton Gunning
as Cody
Matthew Von Der Ahe
as Craig
James Day Keith
as Benny
Alex Hintz
as Arthur
Casey Metcalfe
as Marlon
Bradley Edens
as Showtime
Alicia Johnston
as Coach Maya
Crew
Director
- Bobby Farrelly
Producer
- Paul Brooks
- Scott Niemeyer
- Jeremy Plager
Reviews
CinemaSerf
Have you seen "The Shiny Shrimps" (2019)? Well this reminded me very much of that comedy effort as Woody Harrelson portrays the disgraced basketball coach "Marcus". After one altercation too many on the court, he is ordered by a judge to do some community service coaching a group of young children with learning difficulties. Right from the start, he hates the idea. They have precious little team skills, hand-eye co-ordination, and the only one who is any way competent refuses to have anything to do with him. Luckily, "Johnny" (Kevin Iannucci) has a big sister "Alex" (Kaitlin Olson) who manages to get the coach to commit and focus more on the team - and, well you can easily guess the rest. This is one of those life-affirming films that is well written with loads of characters and dry - frequently pretty black - humour. The thing has an inevitability to it, but like the "Shrimps" it's about inclusion. It's about making sure everyone gets a chance to take part, to enjoy, to thrive - teamwork, family (meatloaf - yuk!) and a genuine sense of celebration feature increasingly and effectively. It isn't a film you will remember for long, it's entirely formulaic - but Harrelson and Iannucci are on good form and I did enjoy it.
Mar 23, 2023
Manuel São Bento
MORE SPOILER-FREE MINI REVIEWS @ https://www.msbreviews.com/movie-reviews/mini-reviews-2023-edition
"Champions is one of those feel-good sports flicks designed to leave viewers with a smile on their faces. A beautiful, heartwarming example of how formulaic stories can indeed be elevated by the filmmakers and actors involved. Bobby Farrelly focuses on an inclusive cast, allowing everyone a moment to shine, taking advantage of the endless charisma emanating from Woody Harrelson and Kaitlin Olson to help with the most complex dialogues. An essential, insightful, informative film about people with intellectual disabilities that everyone should allocate some of their time to watch."
Rating: B-
May 17, 2023
tmdb46673632
* This has to be one of the only movies I hate with a passion. I, myself, am not psychically disabled, so I don't feel directly offended by this films pre-snarky, and downright criminal sense of humor. Every second it feels like _Harrelson_ has sex. The first scene starts by implying that the two characters on screen "did it." The film tries to make its "steamy moments" feel romantic but it just feels awkward. _Harrelson_ and many others characters make fun of the disabled people. The message of _Champions_ is to try no matter what your disability is, but the whole entire time they make fun of anyone who is not "normal." (0/10 Do not watch.)
May 27, 2023
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Champions examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Bobby Farrelly brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2023, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Champions took approximately 33 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 124 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 144 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 77 unique compositions.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 2023, when this film is released:
- Artificial intelligence was becoming increasingly integrated into daily life and creative industries.
- The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Champions shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Air Bud, which focuses more on action than character development, Champions subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Road and The Killing Room explore similar territory, Champions stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: March 9, 2023
- Runtime: 2h 4m
- Revenue: $9,263,009
Where to Watch
