A group of aging men get together with their old coach in order to commemorate the anniversary of the triumphant basketball season of their high school athletic days. This annual gathering soon degenerates into a quagmire of deep resentment, buried feelings, faded glory, bitter invective, and hints of a dark secret. Adapted from the Pulitzer winning play by Jason Miller, That Championship Season is a sobering meditation on repressed guilt, soured dreams, and the drawbacks of middle age. It's a sardonic and uncompromising piece of high drama that features strong acting by Martin Sheen, Stacy Keach, Paul Sorvino, Bruce Dern, and Robert Mitchum.

A hard-hitting, brooding drama about sports that lances the American myth of competition and winning, but ...the movie's theatrical origins remain obvious throughout, both in the dialogue and direction.

I was so completely bored when I saw this on TV, it wasn't entertaining or fun or anything. It does have a good cast of older actors you'll recognize, but it's not worth watching just to see them either.

(1982 Director: Jason Miller) Robert Mitchem is surprisingly given lowbilling on this incredible study of a family with 3 sons--all in the political arena. The setting is tye year 1957 when corrupt(?) encumbent mayor (Bruce Dern) is up for reelection. Papa of the litter is none other than Robert Mitchem who has raised them in the Jesuit eudcation. Great performances from eveyone! tHIS MOVIE WAS BASED ON THE PLAY...Here is a little trivia for you FELLOW BRUCE DERN FANS (WHO MIGHT REMEMBER BRUCE IN HIS ROLE IN "SILENT RUNNING") TRIVIA: Tom Hanks, Bruce Dern, Carrie Fisher, and Corey Feldman star in what 1989 black comedy?.CAST: Bruce Dern, Stacy Keach, Robert Mitchum, Martin Sheen, Paul Sorvino, Arthur Franz, Michael Bernosky, Joseph Kelly, James M. Langan, Tony Santaniello, William G. McAndrew, Barry Weiner, Edward Cunningham, Robert E. Schlesinger, George Lowry, Jim Sparkman

The fact that the first half of this film is clearly filmed on location in Scranton probably makes me a little biased. The film, in a way shows how far Scranton has come since and how far it had fallen. It's political commentary still has an effect, at least locally. A lot of the little things in this movie ring very true due to the love Jason Miller had for Scranton. Then it becomes a dramatic showcase for five talented actors. It isn't without it's flaws for sure...they are minor at worst and admittedly it isn't a movie for everyone. I liked it though.

Incredible performances highlight this brittle, emotional saga of how significant moments in life can have considerable impact later.

A hard-hitting, brooding drama about sports that lances the American myth of competition and winning.