Champions (2023)

Champions (2023). Champions: Directed by Bobby Farrelly. With Woody Harrelson, Kaitlin Olson, Matt Cook, Ernie Hudson. A former minor-league basketball coach is ordered by the court to manage a team of players with intellectual disabilities. He soon realizes that despite his doubts, together, this team can go further than they ever imagined.

“Itu0026#39;s a remake of Spanish film Campeones (2018), the Americanisation is possibly quite an easy cross over though due to the universal nature of the characters.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eMaking movies about people that are generally misunderstood can be difficult at the best of times so here the bunch of mentally challenged basketball players has a fine line to tread, one slip and its good message can be lost or maligned, I must admit I didnu0026#39;t think Bobby Farrelly would make such a good job of it.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eWoody Harrelson plays Marcus, a minor league basketball coach but following a drunk driving charge he is ordered to do 90 days community service with a u0026#39;specialu0026#39; basketball team.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eCoaching a misfit bunch of sportsmen isnu0026#39;t exactly new, here the intellectually challenged basketball team with dreams of making the special Olympics brings in a social message that hasnu0026#39;t been explored very much.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eMarcus is a single man, a seasoned and good coach for ball skills but his lack of people skills has held him back, understanding his players is more important than ever, each player has his/her own disability, due to Downu0026#39;s Syndrome or brain injury for example, each player also has special abilities and Marcus is the one with learning difficulties of how to connect with them and people in general. With their new coach the u0026#39;Friendsu0026#39; basketball team go from strength to strength and make their way up the regional and national championship league, as they all progress, Marcus learns a lot about himself and also falls in love with the sister of one of the team.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe supporting cast add the glue that holds it all together making it heartwarming and a fun journey of discovery for all, the humour works well and didnu0026#39;t seem exploitative, or overly sentimental , itu0026#39;s more feel good than feel sorry, a worthwhile watch.”