Film No. 14 (2023) March 1st. 6:45 PM HOYTS VMAX, Cine 2 Karrinyup.
"Now I don't know if you are brave, or you're crazy but I do know this is your shot at the championship" (Coach Marcus addresses his charges during what could be their last game together).
Bobby Farrelly usually shares directing duties with brother Peter. Bobby goes alone here and it is a remake of the Spanish film CHAMPEONES. The themes and having access to Woody Harrelson (KINGPIN) certainly make for a typical Farrelly film. It is amusing and pleasant in so many ways. The PG rating will also be a bonus. There are plenty of themes families' can share thus adding to the momentum for a more tolerant society.
Lets face it, most are going to CHAMPIONS because they know what they will be getting. The genre is a crowd pleaser and the trailer, which is inundating screens as I type, pushes all the buttons to attract the crowd it requires. We've seen it all before. The blueprint for this version is a small Spanish film, CAMPIONES which took $30M (budget of $10M). It's better than this U.S. (Canadian shot) Woody Harrelson lead re-make, but subtitles are a restrictor for many. I sense the real following for CHAMPIONS will come via its streaming release.
But, while milder in his approach, Farrelly, maintains his compassionate self (SHALLOW HALL, ME MYSELF AND IRENE) this time with themes of compassion and tolerance. Harrelson is lovable enough and Kaitlin Olson as the love interest and sister to Johnny, a key ingredient to the team, is endearing with a younger Jane Fonda look.
CHAMPIONS is fun. You'll get what you pay for. And do they take the championship because they have completed the funny, silly, trumping small adversities together? Go see, it all in the cute, surprise ending. But like a burger in a soft, sweet bun, you'll remember little of what you have consumed within 30 minutes of placing your wrapper (ticket) in the bin. 8GUMS.
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