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

Recent Favorites

Exorcising Demons with a Breen "Double Bang!"

These sorts of moments feel like they don't happen to us.  Well, they happen VERY rarely - I'm talking Larry Johnson's 4-point play-rare. Yeah, it's been THAT long.  But watching this New York Knicks team score eight points in less than thirty-five seconds, including a sequence that will forever live in my fandom, sits right with that LJ garden-rocking shot.  I sat on my couch in absolute shock at what I just saw.  "How the hell did they just win that game?!"  It's the kind of moment this fanbase deserves. It's the moment that releases and exorcises some demons that haunt us from the trauma of experiences.  Namely you, Reggie Miller.  I loved it. And the icing on the cake was Mike Breen - Oh, Mike Breen, the loveable man with the most epic voice that has narrated so much of my basketball-loving fandom - with not one, but two signature "Bang!" calls.  I'll never let this one down. Ever.  I'm not sure where this team will wrap up the se

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 4/28/24

3 Up 1. DiVincenzo Shot - Yeah, I'm biased. And you know what, I don't care. This moment brought me so many jobs this week, and it still is. "Bang! Bang!"  2. Caitlin Clark Effect - Well, here we go. So many of the WNBA teams have begun moving their games against the Indiana Fever to larger arenas. The upcoming WNBA season is going to be so incredibly interesting. 3. Candace Parker - Rounding out a hoops-heavy "Up" this week is the retirement of Candace Parker. Yes, she drives the Knicks fanbase bonkers, but Parker is one of the greatest to ever lace them up. It's a shame she had to retire due to injury, but nonetheless, she should be proud. I personally will remember the 2021 WNBA Finals where she led her hometown Chicago Sky over the star-studded Phoenix Mercury.  3 Down 1. Campus Protests - I've witnessed them personally at NYU. And we are set to see these protests continue, and likely grow, on campuses over the next few weeks. We are likely to s

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 4/14/24

3 Up 1. Gun Control? - Wow. We have somewhat new gun legislation - so it is possible?! Of course, I'm being a bit cheeky in regards to the recent new plan to offer background checks for gun purchases, which really is a big part of the gun control debate. No?  2. Solar Eclipse - I didn't get a chance to experience it, but the idea of it is rather cool. Our world - and universe - is a remarkable experience and thought.  3. Women's Basketball Ratings - The boost continues as women's hoops continue its surge in ratings, interest, and overall star power. It will likely continue next week with the WNBA Draft.  3 Down  1. Iran Missiles on Israel - The entire saga in Gaza continues to get more complex. Throwing Iran into the mix, and now the US intercepting drones and missiles, the entire thing is super sad as innocent people continue to be killed.  2. Tennessee Teachers Carry - Well, just when we thought the gun debate was moving toward a reasonable decision, we get the sta