When one of the Farrelly Brothers became attached to the project (this time brother Bobby) it didn’t bode well to match the charm of the original film. But the results are somewhat surprising. Champions is a more warm-hearted character study and less the expected ribald comedy.

Woody Harrelson is Marcus, a basketball coach who runs afoul of the law and is given a community service sentence to coach a group of individuals with intellectual disabilities. His narcissistic ways initially clash with the free-spirited players but they soon win him over and life lessons are learned.

It’s this humanising of these players that give the work its biggest appeal. The more you learn about them, the more they overcome all the stigmas and you end up relating to them as just people. Harrelson and love interest Alex played by Kaitlin Olson from It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia put in workman-like performances but pale in comparison to the rest of the cast. They are the beating heart of the film.
Rob Hudson
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He soon realizes that despite his doubts, together, this team can go further than they ever imagined.

Starring Woody Harrelson, Kaitlin Olson, Ernie Hudson, Cheech Marin, Matt Cook, Champions will be released in Australian Cinemas March 9
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It is so up-lifting and life reaffirming, it belongs on anyone’s and everyone’s list of must see films. The cast is made up of professional and non-professional actors and they both do a superlative job.

Javier Gutiérrez is Marco, a basketball coach on a downward spiral. He has separated from his wife, gotten fired from his coaching duties and then thrown in jail for drunk driving. The judge offers him community service in lieu of jail time where he has to coach a team made up of mentally disabled players.

At first he follows the self absorbed path that lead him nowhere before he starts to think of them before himself. The team members are played by all amateur actors and they will absolutely win over your heart. Also of note is the relaxed delivery of the Spanish dialogue in the film. This makes for an easy go to both watch the film and keep up with the subtitles.

Champions is screening in Brisbane:
Palace James Street
Thursday 25, April 1:45 PM
Sunday 28, April 3:00 PM
Friday 3, May 6:15 PM
Saturday 11, May 6:15 PM

Palace Barracks
Friday 26, April 6:15 PM
Tuesday 30, April 8:30 PM
Sunday 5, May 3:30 PM
Tuesday 7, May 8:50 PM
Sunday 12, May 5:50 PM

Presented by Palace, the 2019 Moro Spanish Film Festival’s national program features 32 films from Spain and Latin America, including special presentations and events, innovative documentaries, and a spotlight on female directors.

Click here more information about the program, or head to the official website for more information and to book your tickets!

Moro Spanish Film Festival
Sydney 16 Apr – 8 May: Palace Norton Street, Palace Verona & Palace Central.
Canberra 17 Apr – 8 May: Palace Electric Cinema.
Melbourne 18 Apr – 8 May: The Astor Theatre, Palace Cinema Como, Palace Brighton Bay, Palace Westgarth, The Kino and Palace Balwyn.
Adelaide 23 Apr – 15 May: Palace Nova Eastend Cinemas & Palace Nova Prospect Cinemas.
Perth 24 Apr – 15 May: Palace Cinema Paradiso.
Brisbane 24 Apr – 15 May: Palace James St and Palace Barracks Cinemas
Hobart 2 May – 8 May: State Cinema.
Byron Bay 10 – 26 May: Palace Byron Bay
www.spanishfilmfestival.com