Champions Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A grumpy coach learns that the real NBA championship was the friends he made along the way, but with more dribbling and questionable life choices.

🍿 Champions: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Disgraced Coach Gets a Second Chance

Marcus Marakovich, a volatile assistant basketball coach, loses his job after an altercation. Following a DUI, he’s given the choice between jail time and community service. He reluctantly agrees to coach a basketball team comprised of players with intellectual disabilities, known as ‘The Friends.’ Initially, Marcus sees this as a temporary setback, focused on regaining his career.

Building a Team, Finding Connection

Marcus struggles to connect with The Friends at first, approaching them with impatience and a lack of understanding. However, as he spends more time with them, he begins to appreciate their individual personalities and unique talents. He starts to adapt his coaching style, learning to communicate effectively and build their confidence. He also develops a casual relationship with Alex, the sister of one of his players, Johnny.

Challenges On and Off the Court

The team faces various challenges, both in their personal lives and during games. One player, Darius, refuses to play for Marcus due to his past actions. Marcus confronts his past and seeks to earn Darius’s trust. Meanwhile, Marcus is offered a coaching position with an NBA team, creating a dilemma between his personal ambitions and his commitment to The Friends. Alex questions the sincerity of the NBA offer.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Marcus (Woody Harrelson): A former minor-league basketball coach who is court-ordered to coach a team of players with intellectual disabilities as community service.
• Alex (Kaitlin Olson): The protective sister of Johnny and a former Tinder hookup of Marcus, who develops a casual relationship with him.
• Johnny (Kevin Iannucci): A member of ‘The Friends’ basketball team and Alex’s brother, who forms a bond with Marcus but struggles with his sister’s relationship with him.
• Coach Phil Perretti (Ernie Hudson): Marcus’s former coach who fires him but ultimately supports his growth and development.
• Cosentino (Madison Tevlin): A strong-willed and determined member of The Friends who is injured but provides essential support to the team.
• Darius (Joshua Felder): A skilled basketball player on The Friends team who initially refuses to play for Marcus due to his past actions.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Cosentino: “Your heart’s a long way from your knee. Suck it up!” – Cosentino says this to her teammates to encourage them not to give up, in a tough situation.
• Alex: “You can’t just waltz in here and tell him what to do.” – Alex says this when Marcus starts interfering with her brother Johnny’s life without understanding the situation.
• Marcus: “Good coaches, they know when to listen.” – Said when Marcus finally listens to Sonny about not having Darius take the last shot.

💰Box Office

• Budget: None
• Domestic Gross: $16.4M
• Worldwide Gross: $22.1M

💥 Champions Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I went into ‘Champions’ expecting another cheesy sports movie, but honestly, it got me. Woody Harrelson is great as the grumpy coach, but the real stars are the actors who play the team. There’s this one scene where they’re all just hanging out, and you can see how much they care about each other – it totally got me in the feels. It’s not perfect, but it’s a movie that left me smiling, and sometimes that’s all you need. I recommend it, bring tissues.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of feel-good sports movies”
  • “Viewers interested in stories about overcoming adversity”
  • “People who appreciate films promoting inclusivity”
  • “Fans of Woody Harrelson and Kaitlin Olson”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Language”
  • “References to alcohol abuse”
  • “Brief suggestive content”

Professional Reviews

• Film Focus: “While formulaic, ‘Champions’ delivers a heartwarming story of underdogs, elevated by strong performances from Harrelson and the team. The film avoids excessive sentimentality, focusing on genuine connections and humor, making it an enjoyable experience, even if predictable. See it if you enjoy sports movies.
• IndieWire: “Despite its predictable plot, ‘Champions’ succeeds in creating authentic and relatable characters. The film’s strength lies in its ability to handle sensitive topics with respect and humor, avoiding patronizing portrayals. It’s a feel-good movie that manages to be both entertaining and meaningful.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Woody Harrelson shines in ‘Champions,’ bringing depth and humor to a predictable sports narrative. The supporting cast of actors with intellectual disabilities is exceptional, adding authenticity and heart to the story. While the film doesn’t break new ground, it’s a genuinely enjoyable and uplifting experience.

Audience Reactions

The genuine performances of the actors with intellectual disabilities were incredibly touching and inspiring.: Viewers praised the film for its humor, heart, and positive representation of individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Woody Harrelson’s performance was captivating, bringing both comedic and dramatic elements to his role.: Audiences enjoyed the film’s uplifting message and its ability to evoke genuine emotion.

Overall Consensus: A feel-good sports movie that, while predictable, is elevated by strong performances and a heartwarming story of inclusivity and personal growth.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Champions is a remake of the Spanish film Campeones (2018).”
• “All the actors who played members of ‘The Friends’ basketball team have intellectual disabilities in real life.”
• “Woody Harrelson had high praise for his costar Madison Tevlin, stating: “She’s not a great basketball player, but she is a movie star.””
• “This is the solo directorial debut of Bobby Farrelly, one half of the Farrelly Brothers (Dumb and Dumber, There’s Something About Mary).”

🖥️ How to Watch Champions?

As of October 2024, “Champions” is available for streaming on various platforms. You can find it on Prime Video with a subscription or purchase option. It’s also available to rent or buy on Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable and satellite availability. DVD and Blu-ray versions are also available for purchase at major retailers like Amazon and Walmart.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Champions, you might like these similar films:

• The Ringer (2005): Similar theme of the Special Olympics, and the main character pretends to be intellectually disabled.
• The Mighty Ducks (1992): A feel-good sports movie where a lawyer is sentenced to community service coaching a peewee hockey team.
• Cool Runnings (1993): Another underdog sports story where a coach helps a team achieve their dreams against all odds.

🛒 Champions Related Products

• Champions Movie Poster: A high-quality print of the official ‘Champions’ movie poster, perfect for fans who want to commemorate this heartwarming film.
• Champion’s movie tee: Official movie tee for Champions movie. Get ready to show your team spirit!
• Basketball Hoop Set – Indoor Mini Basketball Hoop for Door with 2 Balls & Pump: Inspired by the basketball themes from the movie, this indoor basketball hoop set provides hours of fun for kids and adults.
• NBA 2K24: Experience the world of professional basketball with NBA 2K24. This game offers realistic gameplay, stunning graphics, and the ability to create your own basketball legacy. Play along!

🎧 Soundtrack

Champions features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Tubthumping” – performed by Chumbawamba
• “I Had Some Money But I Spent It” – performed by Nick Waterhouse
• “Unbelievable” – performed by EMF
• “Escape (The Piña Colada Song)” – performed by Rupert Holmes

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

He helped his team win the championship😁 #movie

Check out this awesome clip of the team winning! It’s such a feel-good moment, you can’t help but root for them. Gives you the shivers just watching it!

✨ Rate