Champions

Bobby Farrelly balanced out the sentimentalism with a sassy ensemble, led by Woody Harrelson’s reliably spiky energy.

There’s a self-righteousness to Champions that feels entirely unearned.

The film fights hard to draw humour from the players’ often eccentric demeanours without holding them up to ridicule. For the most part it succeeds.

What makes Champions a treat is the deftness with which Mark Rizzo’s script sidesteps sentimentality in favour of something more raucously truthful...

Champions has its heart in the right place... It’s possible to admire the message, though, without thinking much of a movie that, Marcus’ aspirations notwithstanding, belongs in the minor leagues.

Overall, Champions is endearing at times with some slow moments, but it’s a good movie if you’re a fan of the genre.

While Farrelly isn't uncomfortable in foreign territory, there is no doubt he's playing away from home, with marked cards and within pre-established parameters, when his environment has always been freedom and tone overtures. [Full review in Spanish]

A handful of funny moments can't rescue diet Woody Harrelson and a recycled sports story. Watch it when there's laundry to be folded.

The exact movie you expect from the trailer 
& a straight definition of heartwarming fun

Once you push past all the sentimentality, Champions struggles to stand out from the typical sports movie tropes and feels, dare I say, hollow in its representation.