Kevin Iannucci, Kaitlin Olson, James Day Keith, Madison Tevlin, Cheech Marin and Woody Harrelson in “Champions” (Photo by Shauna Townley/Focus Features)
Culture Representation: Taking place in the Iowa city of Des Moines and in Winnipeg, Canada, the comedy film “Champions” (a remake of the 2018 Spanish film “Campeones”) features a predominantly white cast of characters (with a few African Americans, Latinos and Asians) representing the working-class and middle-class.
Culture Clash: A problematic basketball coach, who was recently fired from a minor league team, takes on coaching duties for a group of young adults who aspire to compete in the Special Olympics.
Culture Audience: “Champions” will appeal primarily to people who are fans of star Woody Harrelson, director Bobby Farrelly and formulaic comedies that aren’t very funny.
Alex Hintz, Casey Metcalfe, Matthew von der Ahe, Ashton Gunning, Tom Sinclair, Joshua Felder, James Day Keith, Madison Tevlin, Kevin Iannucci and Bradley Edens in “Champions” (Photo courtesy of Focus Features)
The intentions might have been good, but “Champions” is mostly cringeworthy comedy about a grouchy coach and his basketball players, who aspire to compete in the Special Olympics. This misguided movie is an awkward mixture of sappiness, crudeness, bad jokes, and negative stereotypes. To put it bluntly: “Champions” is not a movie that can be considered a worthy showcase for people with various disabilities. Most of the movie is just downright embarrassing for everyone involved.
Directed by Bobby Farrelly and written by Mark Rizzo, “Champions” is yet another “underdog team” sports movie, where the coach (usually middle-aged, usually cynical) is hoping for a personal and professional comeback/redemption by coaching a group of misfits (usually young, usually unruly) who are on a losing streak. “Champions” is a remake of the 2018 Spanish film “Campeones,” and it’s another example of a Hollywood remake that is inferior to the original movie. A remake is supposed to be a chance to improve on the original movie. In that regard, “Champions” is an utter failure.
In “Champions” (which takes place mostly in Des Moines, Iowa), the jaded coach is Marcus Markovich (played by Woody Harrelson), who gets fired from his job as an assistant basketball coach for a minor league team called the Iowa Stallions. Marcus was ousted from the team for instigating a physical altercation during a game with head coach Phil Perretti (played by Ernie Hudson), because Marcus disagreed with a game strategy that Phil wanted. Marcus was also recently arrested for crashing his car into a police car while Marcus was drunk.
In other words, Marcus (who wants to eventually become a National Basketball Association coach) has a bad temper, and he’s a screw-up. In court for the drunken car crash, Judge Mary Menendez (played by Alex Castillo) sentences Marcus to 90 days of community service. As part of his community service, he’s ordered to work at a non-profit community recreation center, which just so happens to have a group of young adults with “intellectual disabilities” who need a coach for their basketball team. In front of the judge—and to the embarrassment of Marcus’ attorney Charlie McGurk (played by Mike Smith)—Marcus calls these disabled people the “r” word.
And so begins the predictable journey of Marcus trying to train this team into going from a losing streak to achieving the goal of competing in the upcoming Special Olympics, which will take place in the Canadian city of Winnipeg. (“Champions” was actually filmed in Winnipeg.) Marcus gets some coaching help from an acquaintance named Sonny (played by Matt Cook), who has NBA connections. This basketball program is overseen by recreation center manager Julio (played by Cheech Marin), who is as reliable and even-tempered as Marcus is unpredictable and a loose cannon. Julio tells Marcus, “They don’t have to be champs. You just have to make them feel like a team.”
The team that Marcus coaches is called the Friends. The team member who gets the most screen time and personal backstory is Johnathan (played by Kevin Iannucci), nicknamed Johnny, who is living with Down syndrome. In the beginning of the movie, Johnny is afraid of taking baths or showers. Guess who’s going to help Johnny overcome this fear? The movie’s jokes and gags about Johnny’s body odor get tiresome very quickly. Johnny works at an animal shelter, so the movie can have some contrived cutesy moments with pet animals.
Also on the team is Benny (played by James Day Keith), who lives on his own and works in a restaurant that’s owned by a jerk named Frank O’Connolly (played by Sean Cullen), who is corrupt and a bigot. Another member of the Friends is Marlon (played by Casey Metcalfe), who is color blind and appears to be an idiot savant, because he rattles off encylopedic trivia and facts about various things. Cody (played by Ashton Gunning), who has multicolored hair, works at a dye factory, is a part-time musician as a guitarist in a rock band, and has to let everyone know repeatedly that he has an active sex life that includes threesomes.
Darius (played by Joshua Felder) doesn’t want to be a part of the team at first, but he eventually changes his mind. Cosentino (played by Madison Tevlin) is the team’s token female. Showtime (played by Bradley Edens) is the team’s tallest member. Craig (played by Matthew von der Ahe) is a welder in a vocational school. The other members of the team are Arthur (played by Alex Hintz) and Blair (played by Tom Sinclair), who are mostly overshadowed by the louder and more extroverted members of the team.
And it wouldn’t be a formulaic movie about a hardened sports coach who finds his soft and sensitive side without the coach having a love interest. In this case, her name is Alex (played by Kaitlin Olson), who is in the movie’s first scene, which shows Alex and Marcus the morning after they had a drunken hookup. Alex (who is sarcastic and sassy) starts off thinking that Marcus is just a meaningless one-night stand. But, of course, their relationship turns out to be something more, especially after it’s revealed how Alex has a personal connection to someone on the Friends team.
“Champions” has some entertaining basketball scenes and good comedic timing from the more experienced cast members. But the movie is a huge letdown in the way that the team members are often written as buffoonish stereotypes. And almost all of the movie’s jokes (for people with or without disabilities) are irredeemably awful. For “Champions,” the real losers are viewers who lost any time or money by watching this messy and very unfunny film.
Focus Features will release “Champions” in U.S. cinemas on March 10, 2023.
Mike Vogel, Noah Mills, Hadi Tabbal, Demetrius Grosse, Natacha Karam in “The Brave” (Photo by Jeff Riedel/NBC)
NBC has officially announced its 2017-2018 schedule during parent company NBCUniversal’s upfront presentation at New York City’s Radio Music Hall on May 15, 2017. Most of the existing shows had previously been announced as renewed. However, the upfront presentation made it official that these shows have been cancelled: “The Celebrity Apprentice,” “Chicago Justice,” “First Dates,” “Little Big Shots” and “Trial & Error.”
Several familiar names in television will have new shows on NBC as stars and/or executive producers, including Ellen DeGeneres; Mindy Kaling; Chris Hardwick; former “Parks and Recreation” stars Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman; and former “How I Met Your Mother” stars Neil Patrick Harris and Josh Radnor.
As previously announced, NBC is also reviving its Emmy-winning comedy “Will & Grace” with all four of the show’s main stars: Eric McCormack, Debra Messing, Sean Hayes and Megan Mullally.
NBC is also taking big steps to rival FX’s Emmy-winning hit anthology series “American Crime Story” by offering “Law & Order True Crime,” with the first season focusing on the 1989 Menendez murders, in which wealthy brothers Lyle and Erik Menendez killed their parents. Edie Falco stars as notorious defense attorney Leslie Abramson.
During NBCUniversal’s upfront event, Jennifer Hudson (who has joined “The Voice” as a coach in 2017) performed. Stars also attended to promote their shows on several other NBCUniversal networks, including USA Network, Telemundo, Universo, Bravo, E!, Oxygen and Syfy.
Fall premiere dates will be announced at a later time. Please note that shows picked up but not listed on the schedule below will debut later in the 2017-2018 season.
The following is an excerpt from an NBC press release:
NBC FALL 2017-18 SCHEDULE
All times listed are Eastern/Pacific Time.
MONDAY
8-10 p.m. “The Voice”
10-11 p.m. “The Brave”
TUESDAY
8-9 p.m. “The Voice”
9-9:30 p.m. “Superstore”
9:30-10 p.m. “The Good Place”
10-11 p.m. “Chicago Fire”
WEDNESDAY
8-9 p.m. “The Blacklist”
9-10 p.m. “Law & Order: SVU”
10-11 p.m. “Chicago P.D.”
THURSDAY
8-8:30 p.m. “Will & Grace”
8:30-9 p.m. “Great News”
9-10 p.m. “This Is Us”
10-11 p.m. “Law & Order True Crime: The Menendez Murders”
Mike Vogel and Shereen Martin in “The Brave” (Photo by Simon Mein/NBC)
From Keshet Studios and Avi Nir (executive producer of “Homeland”) comes a fresh, heart-pounding journey into the complex world of America’s elite undercover military heroes. While D.I.A. Deputy Director Patricia Campbell (Anne Heche) and her team of analysts wield the world’s most advanced surveillance technology from Washington, D.C., Adam Dalton and his heroic Special Ops squad of highly trained undercover specialists use their unbreakable bond and commitment to freedom to save lives of innocent people and execute missions in some of the most dangerous places in the world.
The cast includes Anne Heche, Mike Vogel, Sofia Pernas, Tate Ellington, Natacha Karam, Demetrius Grosse, Noah Mills and Hadi Tabbal.
Dean Georgaris will write and executive produce. Brad Anderson will direct and executive produce the pilot. Avi Nir, Alon Shtruzman, Peter Traugott and Rachel Kaplan also executive produce. “The Brave” is produced by Universal Television and Keshet Studios.
Retta and Mae Whitman in “Good Girls” (Photo by Justin Lubin/NBC)
When three suburban moms get tired of trying to make ends meet, they decide it’s time to stick up for themselves by robbing the local supermarket at (toy) gunpoint. But when the manager catches a glimpse of one of them and the loot is far more than they expected, it doesn’t take long for the three best friends to realize the perfect getaway will be harder than they think. From executive producer Jenna Bans (“Scandal”) comes this comedy-infused drama that mixes a little “Thelma & Louise” with a bit of “Breaking Bad.”
The cast includes Retta, Mae Whitman, Reno Wilson, Manny Montana, Lidya Jewett, Izzy Stannard and Matthew Lillard.
Jenna Bans will write and executive produce. Dean Parisot directs and executive produces the pilot. Jeannine Renshaw also executive produces. “Good Girls” is produced by Universal Television.
Edie Falco in “Law & Order True Crime:: The Menendez Murders” (Photo by Justin Lubin/NBC)
Starring the incomparable Emmy and Golden Globe Award winner Edie Falco (“The Sopranos,” “Nurse Jackie”), this new eight-episode true-crime installment of the powerhouse “Law & Order” franchise delivers a gripping in-depth dramatization of the notorious murder case that changed America forever. When the Menendez brothers were tried on national TV for brutally killing their parents in Beverly Hills, their story became a national obsession. Now, the first edition of this anthology series delves into the players, the crime and the media circus, detailing the day-to-day battles of the trial and unveiling the shocking truth of what really went down when the cameras stopped rolling.
Rene Balcer will write and executive produce. Lesli Linka Glatter will direct and executive produce. Dick Wolf, Peter Jankowski and Arthur W. Forney also executive produce. “Law & Order True Crime: The Menendez Murders” is produced by Universal Television and Wolf Films.
Sarah Shahi and Dennis Haysbert in “Reverie” (Photo by Sergei Bachlakov/NBC)
From Mickey Fisher, the creator of “Extant,” this grounded new thriller follows Mara Kint (Sarah Shahi), a former hostage negotiator and expert on human behavior who became a college professor after facing an unimaginable personal tragedy. But when she’s brought in to save ordinary people who have lost themselves in a highly advanced virtual-reality program in which you can literally live your dreams, she finds that in saving others, she may actually have discovered a way to save herself.
The cast includes Sarah Shahi, Dennis Haysbert, Jessica Lu, Sendhil Ramamurthy and Kathryn Morris.
Mickey Fisher will write and executive produce. Jaume Collet-Serra will direct and executive produce the pilot. Brooklyn Weaver, Darryl Frank and Justin Falvey also executive produce. Tom Szentgyorgyi is a consulting producer. “Reverie” is produced by Universal Television and Amblin Television.
From Jason Katims, writer and executive producer of “Friday Night Lights” and “Parenthood,” and “Hamilton” producer Jeffrey Seller comes a heartening new drama about finding inspiration in unexpected places. When dedicated teacher and family man Lou Mazzuchelli (Josh Radnor) sheds his own self-doubt and takes over the school’s lackluster theater department, he galvanizes not only the faculty and students but the entire working-class town. Inspired by a true story.
The cast includes Josh Radnor, Rosie Perez, Marley Shelton, Auli’i Cravalho, Damon J. Gillespie, Amy Forsyth, Rarmian Newton, Ted Sutherland, Casey Johnson, Taylor Richardson, Joe Tippett and Shirley Rumierk.
Jason Katims will write and executive produce. Mike Cahill will direct and executive produce the pilot. Michelle Lee, Jeffrey Seller and Flody Suarez also executive produce. “Rise” is produced by Universal Television, True Jack Productions and Seller Suarez Productions.
Glenn Howerton in “A.P. Bio” (Photo by: Ron Batzdorff/NBC)
When a philosophy scholar loses out on his dream job and goes to work as a high school Advanced Placement biology teacher, he makes it clear he will not be teaching any biology. Realizing he has a room full of honor roll students at his disposal, he decides instead to use the kids to his own benefit.
The cast includes Glenn Howerton, Patton Oswalt, Lyric Lewis, Mary Sohn, Aparna Brielle, Jacob McCarthy, Nick Peine and guest star Vanessa Bayer (pilot only).
Mike O’Brien will write and executive produce. Lorne Michaels, Seth Meyers, Andrew Singer and Mike Shoemaker also executive produce. Osmany Rodriguez will direct. “A.P. Bio” is produced by Universal Television, Broadway Video and Sethmaker Shoemeyers Productions.
J.J. Totah and Mindy Kaling in “Champions” (Photo by: Jordin Althaus/NBC)
Vince, a charismatic gym owner with no ambition, lives with his younger brother Michael, a gorgeous idiot. Their simple life of women and working out is put on hold when the teenage son of Vince is dropped off on their doorstep by Priya (Mindy Kaling), one of his old high school flings.
The cast includes Anders Holm, Andy Favreau, J.J. Totah, Mouzam Makkar, Nina Wadia and guest star Mindy Kaling.
Charlie Grandy and Mindy Kaling will write and executive produce. Michael Alan Spiller will direct and executive produce. Howard Klein also executive produces. “Champions” is produced by Universal Television, 3 Arts Entertainment, Eyes Up Productions and Kaling
“Will & Grace” stars Megan Mullally, Eric McCormack, Debra Messing, Sean Hayes at NBCUniversal’s upfront event at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on May 15, 2017. (Photo by: Heidi Gutman/NBCUniversal)
That’s right, honey! A decade after their unforgettable eight-season run, comedy’s most fabulous foursome is back. Debra Messing, Eric McCormack, Sean Hayes and Megan Mullally reprise their infamous roles as Will, Grace, Jack and Karen in this exclusive 12-episode event. The legendary James Burrows, director of every original “Will & Grace” episode, returns along with a slew of razor-sharp jabs and dirty martinis. Behold once again, from the minds of Max Mutchnick and David Kohan, TV’s wittiest ensemble ever.
The cast includes Debra Messing, Eric McCormack, Sean Hayes and Megan Mullally.
Max Mutchnick and David Kohan will write and executive produce. Alex Herschlag, Tracy Poust & Jon Kinnally also executive produce. James Burrows will direct and executive produce. “Will & Grace” is produced by Universal Television.
From executive producer/host Chris Hardwick (“The Wall”), executive producer Mark Burnett (“The Voice”) and Silicon Valley’s Singularity University comes a new series that will showcase the groundbreaking scientific and technological advances that are shaping the future, as well as celebrate the pioneers and communities at the forefront of this golden age of unprecedented discovery, innovation and opportunity. Each episode of “The Awesome Show” will be a rollercoaster ride through the world of innovation as told by the people who are shaping it and whose lives are affected by it. The series will highlight stories of revolutionary scientific and technological advances and will marvel at mankind’s tremendous feats, both now and in the future.
Mark Burnett, Chris Hardwick and Alex Murray executive produce. “The Awesome Show” is produced by Universal Television Alternative Studio in association with Brillstein Entertainment Partners and Fish Ladder.
The one and only Ellen DeGeneres returns to primetime to host an exciting new game show that’s one big party! Featuring super-sized versions of some of the most beloved games from “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” as well as new ones, contestants will be pulled from the studio audience to maneuver massive obstacles while answering trivia questions, all under the pressure of Ellen’s mischievous and hilarious antics. With DeGeneres’ witty and comedic sensibility plus fun-filled games, each episode is sure to entertain the entire family and deliver lots of laughs. One lucky contestant will get the chance to win the grand prize, but everyone will have a blast!
Ellen DeGeneres, Jeff Kleeman, Ed Glavin, Mary Connelly, Andy Lassner, Kevin Leman and David A. Hurwitz executive produce. Russell Norman directs. “Ellen’s Game of Games” is produced by Warner Horizon Unscripted in association with A Very Good Production and Telepictures.
Neil Patrick Harris (Photo by Christopher Polk/NBC)
No stranger to young geniuses, Neil Patrick Harris hosts an exciting new game show that celebrates the smartest kids in America. These talented “genius juniors” will team up to take on mind-blowing tests of logic, math, memory, spelling and more. Through escalating rounds, they will be tested in each area of the brain, culminating in an ultimate challenge to be crowned the smartest and brightest. The winning team will take home a life-changing prize — setting the stage for a big, bright future ahead.
Neil Patrick Harris, Pam Healey, John Hesling, Phil Parsons and Ed Egan executive produce. “Genius Junior” is produced by Shed Media in association with Prediction Productions.
Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman of “The Handmade Project” at NBCUniversal’s upfront event at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on May 15, 2017. (Photo by Cindy Ord/NBCUniversal)
From executive producer and host Amy Poehler and co-host Nick Offerman comes a lighthearted competition celebrating the creativity and craftiness in all of us. Each week, eight amateur makers will take on a series of projects they must complete in their own unique way. As the competition escalates, the amateurs will be challenged to master progressively difficult skills, culminating in a final craft-off between the most creative and tenacious contestants. Shot in a serene outdoor setting, this friendly competition will focus on the character and camaraderie of DIY culture – and through it all, Poehler and Offerman will provide encouragement, guidance and plenty of laughs.
Amy Poehler, Brooke Posch, Nicolle Yaron, Nick Offerman, Dave Becky and Anthony Dominici executive produce. “The Handmade Project” is produced by Universal Television Alternative Studio in association with Paper Kite Productions.
Jennifer Hudson of “The Voice” at NBCUniversal’s upfront event at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on May 15, 2017. (Photo by Virginia Sherwood/NBCUniversal)
Seth Meyers of “Late Night” at NBCUniversal’s upfront event at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on May 15, 2017. (Photo by: Peter Kramer/NBCUniversal)
NBC News stars Chuck Todd, Matt Lauer, Savannah Guthrie, Megyn Kelly and Lester Holt, “Nightly News at NBCUniversal’s upfront event at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on May 15, 2017. (Photo by: Mike Coppola/NBCUniversal)
Jaimie Alexander of “Blindspot” at NBCUniversal’s upfront event at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on May 15, 2017. (Photo by Mike Coppola/NBCUniversal)
Amy Poehle and Nick Offerman pf “The Handmade Project” at NBCUniversal’s upfront event at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on May 15, 2017. (Photo by: Mike Coppola/NBCUniversal)
Ben Feldman and America Ferrera of “Superstore” at NBCUniversal’s upfront event at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on May 15, 2017. (Photo by Mike Coppola/NBCUniversal)
Nicole Richie of “Great News” at NBCUniversal’s upfront event at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on May 15, 2017. (Photo by Mike Coppola/NBCUniversal)
Jennifer Hudson of “The Voice” at NBCUniversal’s upfront event at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on May 15, 2017. (Photo by Mike Coppola/NBCUniversal)
Curtis Stone and Vanessa Lachey of “Top Chef Juniors” at NBCUniversal’s upfront event at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on May 15, 2017. (Photo by: Mike Coppola/NBCUniversal)
Patton Oswalt and Glenn Howerton of “A.P. Bio” at NBCUniversal’s upfront event at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on May 15, 2017. (Photo by Mike Coppola/NBCUniversal)
Retta and Mae Whitman of “Good Girls” at NBCUniversal’s upfront event at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on May 15, 2017. (Photo by: Mike Coppola/NBCUniversal)
Mindy Kaling, of “Champions” at NBCUniversal’s upfront event at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on May 15, 2017. (Photo by Mike Coppola/NBCUniversal)
Mike Vogel and Anne Heche,of “The Brave” at NBCUniversal’s upfront event at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on May 15, 2017. (Photo by Mike Coppola/NBCUniversal)
Maria Celeste of “Al Rojo Vivo con Maria Celeste” at NBCUniversal’s upfront event at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on May 15, 2017. (Photo by Mike Coppola/NBCUniversal)
John Cena of Nikki Bella, “WWE” at NBCUniversal’s upfront event at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on May 15, 2017. (Photo by Cindy Ord/NBCUniversal)
Edie Falco of “Law & Order True Crime: The Menendez Murders” at NBCUniversal’s upfront event at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on May 15, 2017. (Photo by Mike Coppola/NBCUniversal)
Ne-Yo, Jennifer Lopez, Jenna Dewan Tatum, Derek Hough of “World of Dance” at NBCUniversal’s upfront event at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on May 15, 2017. (Photo by Cindy Ord/NBCUniversal)
Catherine Siachoque of “Sin Senos Si Hay Paraiso” at NBCUniversal’s upfront event at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on May 15, 2017. (Photo by Cindy Ord/NBCUniversal)
Alberto Guerra and Maria Leon of “Guerra de Idolos” at NBCUniversal’s upfront event at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on May 15, 2017. (Photo by: Cindy Ord/NBCUniversal)
El Dasa of “El Vato” at NBCUniversal’s upfront event at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on May 15, 2017. (Photo by Cindy Ord/NBCUniversal)
Gaby Espino of “Señora Acero” at NBCUniversal’s upfront event at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on May 15, 2017. (Photo by Peter Kramer/NBCUniversal)
Jessica Biel of “The Sinner” at NBCUniversal’s upfront event at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on May 15, 2017. (Photo by Peter Kramer/NBCUniversal)
David Chocarro of Telemundo at NBCUniversal’s upfront event at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on May 15, 2017. (Photo by Cindy Ord/NBCUniversal)
Adamari Lopez of “Un Nueva Dia” at NBCUniversal’s upfront event at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on May 15, 2017. (Photo by: Cindy Ord/NBCUniversal)
Kristen Bell of “The Good Place” Amy Poehler of “The Handmade Project” and America Ferrera of “Superstore” at NBCUniversal’s upfront event at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on May 15, 2017. (Photo by: Theo Wargo/NBCUniversal)
“This Is Us” stars Chris Sullivan, Chrissy Metz, Mandy Moore, Milo Ventimiglia, Sterling K. Brown, Justin Hartley, Justin Hartley, Susan Kalechi Watson and Ron Cephas Jones at NBCUniversal’s upfront event at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on May 15, 2017. (Photo by Peter Kramer/NBCUniversal)
Jennifer Beals and Clive Standen of “Taken” at NBCUniversal’s upfront event at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on May 15, 2017. (Photo by Theo Wargo/NBCUniversal)
