In recent times, many movies that initially struggled in cinemas have experienced a resurgence on streaming services, and it seems like the sports drama “Heart of Champions” could be the next one to do so. Michael Mailer’s 2021 sports drama made its way onto Netflix on February 17th, and it didn’t take long for it to gain popularity among viewers who are always seeking out fresh content.
Penned by ex-rower from Columbia University, Vojin Gjaja, Heart of Champions narrates the hardships faced by Belston University’s rowing team following their disappointing last place finish at the national championship. Moreover, escalating conflicts among team captains Alex (Alexander Ludwig), John (Alex MacNicoll), and Chris (Charles Melton) create chaos within the team. However, when all hope seems lost, a former military man named Murphy (Michael Shannon) steps in as the new coach and guides the team towards discovering their hidden abilities and understanding what it takes to be champions.
Despite boasting an inspiring concept, the movie flopped miserably at the box office upon its release in 2021, earning a paltry $37,000 against a budget of $6.4 million. Critics were particularly harsh, assigning it a score of only 31% on Rotten Tomatoes. In contrast, audiences showed more leniency, rating it 75%. The swift move to Video On Demand and the limited release in just 102 theaters likely played significant roles in its poor performance.
Speaking of it, “Heart of Champions” has been gaining popularity on Netflix. Remarkably, the film climbed up the Netflix Top 10, surpassing more established movies shortly after its premiere. The streaming rankings are always changing, so Shannon’s movie may have had its moment in the spotlight, or it could re-enter the chart multiple times in the near future. However, there’s no doubt that this film is now receiving some of the recognition it lacked during its initial release.
Is ‘Heart of Champions’ Worth Watching?
To put it frankly, Heart of Champions may not reinvent the sports drama genre, but it certainly doesn’t lack in keeping viewers engaged. Although its storyline might be foreseeable and heavy on romance, it shines when depicting the intricacies of rowing and the hurdles encountered during the journey. Notably, Michael Shannon delivers a standout performance in this film, portraying a coach who is both strict and deeply invested in his students’ success.
As a movie enthusiast, I must say that Shannon truly embodies the essence and spirit of “Heart of Champions.” Though her character might not have been fully fleshed out, she manages to steal the show.
For those less acquainted with rowing, this film offers some visually stunning moments, boasting remarkable cinematography that stands its ground. However, hardcore rowing aficionados might find it less captivating. All in all, it’s a familiar underdog tale where a struggling team experiences a comeback following a series of losses, all under the tutelage of an unwavering coach. It may not present a unique storyline, but “Heart of Champions” is a well-crafted, heartwarming sports drama that’s worth your time and attention.
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2025-02-23 04:36