Review: Woody Harrelson plays likable, grumpy coach in ‘Champions’
No one will confuse the premise of “Champions” as high concept.
But “Champions” is different because it features intellectually challenged athletes being given an opportunity to succeed, right? No, not really. Johnny Knoxville walked a similar path in pretending to be one such athlete in “The Ringer.”
Starring Woody Harrelson — an asset in itself — “Champions,” directed by Bobby Farrelly (“There’s Something About Mary”), proves to be amiable and sweet and, as is the calling card of any Farrelly Brothers flick, a bit coarse in language and subject matter.
Harrelson stars as Marcus, a minor-league basketball coach who loses that gig and gets caught driving under the influence.
While generally acknowledged in the world of sports to be an X's and O's genius, Marcus is arrogant, intense and egotistical. The latter makes him believe that he should be coaching in the NBA, and perhaps he’s right.
However, the judge who sentences him to community service on his drunken driving charge, thinks his talents will be better served coaching a team of intellectually challenged adults through their basketball season. It’s either that or 18 months locked up.
Being the altruist he is, he accepts the former and has to take a group with distinct personalities and unique challenges and turn them into the team.
At times, the scenarios work — even the predictability of Marcus’ romance with Alex (Kaitlin Olson of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”), the sister of one of his players.
Harrelson turns his arrogant, selfish character into someone who’s emotionally palatable by the end of the movie. And actors with whom he works flash their charms with a standout being Kevin Iannucci as Alex’s brother, Johnny.
“Champions” has a few laughs and plenty of heart, even if it does tread familiar ground.
George M. Thomas dabbles in movies and television for the Beacon Journal. Reach him at gthomas@thebeaconjournal.com.
Review
Movie: “Champions”
Cast: Woody Harrelson, Kaitlin Olson, Cheech Marin
Directed by: Bobby Farrelly
Running time: 2 hours 4 minutes
Rated: PG-13 for strong language and crude/sexual reference
Grade: C
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Review: Woody Harrelson at home on the court in ‘Champions’
