Skip to main content

Dome Pondering Movie Review: Champions (2023)


What is it about?

An ambitious basketball coach on the development circuit is ordered by the court to coach and lead a basketball team of individuals with intellectual disabilities. 

Who is in it?

Woody Harrelson - Marcus 

Kaitlin Olson - Alex 

Matt Cook - Sonny 

Favorite Scene: 

Marcus meets the group for the first time and they introduce themselves and their special qualities. 

Favorite Quote: 

Your heart's a long way from your knee. Suck it up!""

Review: 

Champions is the ultimate feel-good film. In fact, I can't remember a film that I've seen that has genuinely made me feel positive during the film, at its climax, and once the credits begin to roll. Champions stayed with me in a way that really makes me want to watch again. It's that good. 

I wouldn't expect a deep plot in this one. It is simple and straight to the point. Where Champions shines the most is in its ability to de-stigmatize individuals with intellectual disabilities with humor and dialogue that is light-hearted and in many ways, educational. 

All of the characters from the Friends group are the true stars in this film. Every single, character is amazing. And both Woody Harrelson and Kaitlin Olson are tremendous in accentuating the film. They might be listed as the leads, but their roles truly support everyone else in the film. 

Give this film a shot, you won't regret it. And like me, you'll definitely be rewatching it. 

Grade: 4/5

Recently Read

Quick Ponder: Future Self

We always think,  what would we say  to our  younger self? However,  what would  our younger self say  if they met us, today?

Quick Ponder: Talk

They're gonna talk.  What if you just. let. them. talk.  

Working in Higher Ed, Lately

"Working in higher education must be interesting these days, huh?" That question was posed to me by several people who recently learned that I worked in higher education. The recent discourse around the industry and field has certainly shifted in narrative and the overall feel within it. I recently wrapped up my fourteenth (!!) academic year. It's remarkable to think that I've been serving students and following a passion for this long. This is especially the case considering the rising turnover, the documented yearly burnout, and the increasing exodus from the field.  And, yup, there is that whole enrollment cliff combined with the politics that are more present than ever on college campuses.  So yeah, higher education is weird right now. Very weird.  Some quick thoughts : IS IT TIME?  Yes, I have thought about leaving the field several times. Especially, over the last few years. COVID didn't really bother me, but it's safe to say that the world of higher edu...