So Woody Harrelson stars in a basketball drama / comedy. You think WHITE MEN CANT JUMP. This is one of three films he has made on basketball. That was likely one reason why he got the gig for this film. He has form in comedy and he can turn a little to the dramatic indeed. But you should be thinking of another film, CHAMPIONS released on Blu Ray this week. Bobby Farrelly first film going it alone and based on a Spanish film from 2018, it is everything and nothing that you would expect.

Harrelson is shamed feisty cuffs coach Marcus Marakovich, once a big timer, now a former minor-league basketball coach. After assaulting his head coach on the pitch and then getting into a DUI, he is arrested. On his day in court, he is told, either manage a Basketball team of players with intellectual disabilities as community service or go to jail for 18 months. One seems troublesome and the other seems more ball playing. He doubts it will make him more marketable and also worries he cant help these guys. Soon however, he and us and they realize that despite his doubts, this team might just be the answer to the question, anyone can play ball right?

As many here would expect, you get what you are offered with CHAMPIONS. Its a film, I often call, a Friday nighter. Easy going, not forceful and focused on being a balance of things to keep everyone happy across say a family. This would annoy some, looking for a bit of bite say. I suspect mind that they aren’t here or reading this. Now aside from the terrible extras CHAMPIONS is worth a punt. It is a standard posted letter, something through the post you don’t care much for but are not offended by. It is delivered to you, rich in heartfelt warmth, slight in comedy and very well produced. Director Farrelly is easy going, adding the films subtle balance of heart and ha ha’s with softness. The cast are very good with a stand out performance from Madison Tevlin, who is the best part of the films comedy and zings off of a very solid (though one note) Harrelson.

Champions available now to Download & Keep and on DVD & Blu-ray™ June 12

•    12 Deleted Scenes

•   Keeping it Friendly – Director Bobby Farrelly, Woody Harrelson, and the rest of the cast share how they became involved in CHAMPIONS, as well as the importance of representation in the film.

•   Woody and the Team – Every team needs a good leader – here we explore how Woody Harrelson filled that role on and off screen.

•    Casting the Friends

•    Feature Commentary with director Bobby Farrelly *available via iTunes only