NATIONAL CHAMPIONS

A new film released this weekend that I never knew existed until a week or two prior to it's release when it's trailer dropped. The premise follows LeMarcus James (played by Stephan James), starting QB for the SEC powerhouse that's in the CFP national championship game. 3 days before kickoff, James along with Emmett Sunday (Alexander Ludwig), stage a players strike, holding the game hostage while simultaneously costing the NCAA millions of dollars if no game is played. At the crux of the strike, James is seeking compensation and health care benefits, not only for himself, but for every student athlete in the country. He's sacrificing potentially millions of dollars if he's selected further down in the upcoming NFL draft (before the strike, he's the consensus #1 pick); however, he believes the sacrifice is worth it not only in the present but for further athletes as well. The film does a good job at balancing all of the vested interests in showcasing the title game: from James' head coach James Lazor (played wonderfully by J.K. Simmons), to the President's of the SEC and Big-12, who each have a team vying for the title, to the NCAA itself. It shows how greed, blackmail, corruption, bullying, and the lengths the NCAA but more importantly, grown adults, are willing to go to against young adults to ensure their job and pockets aren't left any lighter. A decent film, with a good message, that's a day late and a dollar short now that the NCAA has greenlit athlete's NIL (name, image, and likeness) rights. Although the message is still profound and pushes for more than just the NIL. James gives the best performance here alongside Simmons, who's always terrific, no matter what material he's given. 5.5/10