Champions
Champions
A former minor-league basketball coach is ordered by the court to manage a team of players with intellectual disabilities. He soon realizes that despite his doubts, together, this team can go further than they ever imagined.
Nishant Arora reviewedJune 22, 2025
"Champions" offers a heartwarming, if predictable, journey of redemption and discovery. This feel-good sports dramedy, led by a charming Woody Harrelson, explores the transformative power of connection and the true meaning of winning. Read on to see if it's a slam dunk for your watchlist!
The Good:
* The standout element is undoubtedly the authentic and endearing performances from the cast portraying the "Friends" basketball team. Their charisma and natural comedic timing are infectious.
* The film handles its sensitive subject matter with respect, largely avoiding tokenism and allowing the characters with intellectual disabilities to be their own people, not just plot devices for the protagonist's growth.
* Woody Harrelson delivers a reliably strong performance, bringing a grounded weariness and eventual warmth to his character's arc.
The Bad:
* The plot follows a well-worn sports movie formula, making many of its narrative beats highly predictable from the outset.
* Some of the character developments, particularly for the love interest, feel a bit underdeveloped and cliched.
* The soundtrack often relies on overly on-the-nose needle drops that detract from the emotional subtlety the film sometimes achieves.
While "Champions" doesn't reinvent the wheel, its genuine heart and the delightful performances from its ensemble cast make it a genuinely uplifting and enjoyable watch.