Review of That Championship Season

The problem with both this 1999 version and the 1982 version of That Championship Season is that they both suffer badly when transfered to the big or even little screen. This is a fantastic play but is at best when it is put on where it belongs, on stage in front of an audience. Paul Sorvino not only graduates from playing Phil Romano on Broadway and in the 82 version but in this 1999 version he is both the coach and director. While he gives a brilliant performance as the coach, much better than Robert Mitchem did, he doesn't have the directing chops needed for this ambitious endeavor. As for the rest of the cast, only Gary Sinise, equals Sorvino in the acting calibur. Not that the others don't try but it seems insignificant in comparison to the two. I think the writers, Jason Miller, second attempt at making this into a movie is certainly an improvement but still feels out of place off the stage. Still, give it a look.