National Champions

This is what you'd call a dialogue movie, and not half bad. The main gripes I have are wasting Jeffrey Donovan's talents, the horrid acting of the main character "LeMarcus", and the insanely bad overemotional acting on the black woman who was some sort of fixer. Each time someone questioned her she'd freak out, just waaaay overboard. JK Simmons as usual excellent performance wasn't enough to make up for this lady.

I have no idea how they paid so many great actors to be in this. The plot is slow moving. The pivotal moment of information doesn't really make sense. It's a lazy writer trying to make money off a very controversial topic.

Nothing is inevitable except the truth.

A fictionalized version on an interesting topic in the college football scene. The movie showed what a boycott against the NCAA on the issue of treating student athletes as employees would look like.

The first great thing about the movie was J. K. Simmons. Previously he was a ruthless music coach, and now he's an old, broken college football coach with the desire of winning the national championship with his team. He again brought passion and energy to his role. His dialogues were powerful, and can be emotional too. He can be both fearsome and convincing. What an amazing actor.

The story itself was amazing as well. It's an intense stabbing back and forth between the brave college football quarterback and the administration. Each tried or was forced to bring the other down. It became personal very quickly, and I was on board for most of it.

Overall, a gripping sport drama. 8-8.5/10.

8/10 - despite some clunky dialogue/story elements and me knowing next to nothing about college football, this fascinating dramatization of the ongoing NCAA debate is truly gripping and is empowered by the fantastic acting performances of Stephan James, J. K. Simmons, and most of all, Uzo Aduba (who in another universe would be Oscar-nominated for this emotionally riveting performance)

It would be a good storyline if it is based on true story. Then it is interesting to see what is going on in those private meetings. However, if it is not based on the true story..... the script is kind of okay.