The Winning Season

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The Winning Season

PG-13

Released Sep 3, 2010

1h 46m

Comedy

Drama

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Popcornmeter

52%

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23 Reviews

54%

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1,000+ Ratings

Increasingly estranged from his own daughter, a boozy busboy (Sam Rockwell) gets a shot at redemption when an old friend (Rob Corddry) hires him to coach a varsity girls basketball team.

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Stephen Holden

New York Times

In its final lap The Winning Season collapses into a sentimental farce that even Mr. Rockwell, now playing the clown, cannot redeem from cringe-inducing hokum.

Rated: 2.5/5

Sep 3, 2010

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Lou Lumenick

New York Post

Rockwell does a typically fine job -- he's funny, touching and appalling -- as an alcoholic mess of a former high school basketball coach who's been reduced to washing dishes in a restaurant.

Rated: 3/4

Sep 3, 2010

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Sheri Linden

Los Angeles Times

The story deepens through the clownish, heartbreaking exertions of Rockwell's gruff misfit, still working things out at the final buzzer.

Rated: 3/5

Sep 2, 2010

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Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

Here’s a movie that employs all your standard, overused sports movie formulas—everything from the obligatory training montage to rousing Big Game suspense—and makes it work with strong writing and fine performances.

Rated: 3/4

Aug 9, 2023

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Dennis Schwartz

Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

Mediocre, predictable underdog sports film.

Rated: C

Jan 30, 2018

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Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

Rated: C

Feb 4, 2013

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JW S

I was really pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this movie given its somewhat formulaic plot. Sam Rockwell is always a winner and his individual chemistry with each castmember is fun to watch.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/03/25

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Anthony J

Very predicable story of loveable looser makes good. Without Sam Rockwell's quirkiness it would be an average made for TV movie.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

09/20/23

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Avalon T

I enjoyed this movie. Sam Rockwell, as usual, is a great actor, in this heartwarming movie. Had a few good laughs in it. Yes, it is a bit cheesy,I guess, but I thought it was great, If you want a light movie that will bring a smile to your face, this feel good movie is it.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

05/23/23

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Sean S

A solid cast with a good concept, but just doesn't deliver its full potential. Mr. Rockwell does his best to carry this movie but with a simple character arc and simple plot it falls short.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

05/15/23

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Audience Member

Better than you'd think. Recommend. Foul language though.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/17/23

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steve d

Funny, odd, different and Rockwell is great. I also love women's basketball which makes it even better.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

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James C. Strouse

Director

Sam Rockwell

Bill

Emma Roberts

Abbie

Rob Corddry

Terry

Shareeka Epps

Lisa

Emily Rios

Kathy

The Winning Season: Official Clip - The Wrong Side of the Line

2:00

The Winning Season: Official Clip - Molly's Gone

2:30

The Winning Season: Official Clip - You've Come a Long Way

2:11

The Winning Season: Official Clip - Bill's Past

2:12

The Winning Season: Official Clip - Defending Kathy's Honor

1:44

The Winning Season: Official Clip - The Big Picture

1:08

The Winning Season: Official Clip - Coaching Incognito

2:08

The Winning Season: Official Clip - Waitress Rejection

1:35

The Winning Season: Official Clip - What's Your Type?

1:28

The Winning Season: Official Clip - Is This a Joke?

1:42

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Synopsis

Increasingly estranged from his own daughter, a boozy busboy (Sam Rockwell) gets a shot at redemption when an old friend (Rob Corddry) hires him to coach a varsity girls basketball team.

Director: James C. Strouse
Producer: Gia Walsh, Kara Baker, Celine Rattray, Galt Niederhoffer, Daniela Taplin Lundberg
Screenwriter: James C. Strouse
Distributor: Lionsgate Films
Production Co: Plum Pictures, Gigi Films, Gigi Productions
Rating: PG-13 (Smoking|Language|Alcohol Abuse|Some Sexual References|Some Thematic Elements)
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 3, 2010, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): May 8, 2015
Runtime: 1h 46m

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