Champions: Woody Harrelson’s raw performance saves its uneven tone

The opening scene of Champions (2023) sets the stage for its central conflict with a jarring crash: Woody Harrelson’s Marcus Marakovich, a minor-league basketball coach with a temper as explosive as his career is unraveling, veers off the road and plows into a police cruiser. It’s a moment that should be a visceral introduction to the film’s themes of recklessness and redemption, but instead, it feels like a setup for a punchline—a tone that permeates Bobby Farrelly’s directorial debut. This remake of the 2018 Spanish film Campeones is a well-meaning but uneven sports comedy-drama that struggles to balance its heartfelt intentions with its broad humor.

Harrelson, known for his ability to embody flawed characters, is perfectly cast as Marcus, a man whose arrogance and anger have cost him everything. His performance is the film’s anchor, grounding what could otherwise be a sentimental mess. Marcus’s journey from self-centered coach to mentor for The Friends, a team of players with disabilities serving community service, is the emotional core of the film. Harrelson excels in the quieter moments, like when he patiently teaches Darius (Joshua Felder) to shoot free throws or helps Johnny (Kevin Iannucci) find his voice. These scenes highlight Harrelson’s ability to convey depth and vulnerability without resorting to melodrama.

The ensemble cast of The Friends is where Champions truly shines. Madison Tevlin as Cosentino and Ashton Gunning as Cody bring genuine warmth and humor to their roles, making you care about their journey as much as Marcus’s. Their performances are nuanced and authentic, avoiding the pitfalls of inspiration porn that often plague films about people with disabilities. Kaitlin Olson as Alex, Johnny’s sister and Marcus’s love interest, adds a layer of emotional complexity, though her character sometimes feels sidelined by the focus on Marcus.

However, Champions stumbles in its execution. The film tries to balance broad comedy with heartfelt drama, but the transitions between these modes can feel jarring. A scene where Marcus attempts to bond with the team over pizza is charming, but it’s followed by a montage of their training that feels formulaic and rushed. The film’s attempt to be uplifting often veers into sentimentality, and some of its emotional beats—like Marcus declining an NBA offer—feel predictable rather than earned.

Farrelly’s direction is serviceable but lacks the distinctive flair that could elevate the material. The cinematography is functional but unremarkable, with Winnipeg and Selkirk, Manitoba standing in for Iowa without much distinctive flair. The sound design is equally unobtrusive, though the film’s score occasionally leans too heavily on inspirational swells during key moments.

Thematically, Champions grapples with issues of redemption, empathy, and the transformative power of community. Marcus’s arc is a classic redemption story, but the film struggles to make his journey feel fresh or unexpected. The supporting characters, particularly The Friends, offer glimpses of deeper exploration into themes of disability and inclusion, but these moments are often overshadowed by the film’s reliance on familiar tropes.

In comparison to other sports films that tackle similar themes, Champions falls short. Films like The Blind Side (2009) and Remember the Titans (2000) successfully balance humor and drama while delivering emotionally resonant stories. Champions, by contrast, feels like a missed opportunity. Its heart is in the right place, but its execution lacks the polish and depth needed to make it stand out.

The film’s reception has been mixed, with critics praising Harrelson’s performance and the ensemble cast of The Friends while criticizing its predictable plot and tonal inconsistency. Rotten Tomatoes highlighted the film’s talented stars but criticized its attempts to be uplifting as patronizing.

Ultimately, Champions is a film that will resonate most with audiences who enjoy feel-good sports stories and are willing to overlook its flaws. It’s a movie for fans of Woody Harrelson and those looking for a heartwarming tale about the power of community and redemption.