Popcorn and Inspiration: ‘The Last Champion’

A heartfelt tale of redemption

PG-13 | 2h 2min | Drama, Family, Sport | 2020

Before I saw 2020’s sports drama “The Last Champion,” I had seen actor Cole Hauser on the movie poster smiling ear to ear and assumed it was a comedy. When I discovered it was a story of redemption, I was a little surprised yet intrigued. After all, John Wright, the character Hauser plays, is a gloomy-faced guy for much of the film’s running time, although things eventually get brighter.

Cole Hauser as John Wright in “The Last Champion.” (Redburn Street Pictures)

At the beginning of the movie, John drives his beat-up pickup truck into his small hometown of Garfield, Washington. He has returned after 20 years in order to settle the affairs of his recently deceased mother. Almost immediately, he is greeted by some sideways glances and gasps from the local residents, and it becomes apparent that his reputation might not be all that great.

A Wrestler With Great Promise

We learn that, back in the day, John was a standout wrestler in high school and was talented enough to eventually become an all-state wrestler. After that, he entered college and was named an All-American. But it didn’t stop there; John’s ambitions led him all the way to the Olympics, which culminated in his winning a gold medal.

However, his athletic career was cut short when he got busted for steroid abuse. As he acknowledges later on in the movie, his one “stupid” decision threw his entire life into disarray and caused him to leave Garfield in shame, rather than face the disappointment of the townsfolk he let down.

Cole Hauser as John Wright in “The Last Champion.” (Redburn Street Pictures)

Not everyone hates John, though. His old wrestling coach Frank Stevens (Peter Onorati), who still teaches high school wrestling in Garfield, welcomes the former hometown hero with open arms. Coach Stevens implores John, who walks around slumped over with downcast eyes, to leave his shameful past behind and move on with his life.

John also runs into the town’s friendly spiritual leader, Pastor Barnes (Bob McCracken), along with the pastor’s daughter Elizabeth (Annika Marks). It soon becomes apparent that there’s a mutual attraction between John and Elizabeth, but he’s still too full of shame to engage her since he still hasn’t forgiven himself yet. John was stripped not only of a gold medal but also of his confidence and dignity.

Faced With Change

But one night, when Coach Stevens suddenly dies from a heart attack, John is hired to coach the high school wrestling team—the very one he used to be on. He immediately sees potential in the team, although there is an intense rivalry between two of its standout wrestlers, social outcast Michael Miller (Sean H. Scully) and the team’s captain, Scott Baker (Casey Moss).

Bob McCracken as Pastor Barnes gives Cole Hauser as John Wright some spiritual guidance in “The Last Champion.” (Redburn Street Pictures)

Michael’s family is going through some financial troubles, which isn’t helped by his mother’s unchecked alcohol abuse and general irritability, which is typically directed at her son. Things get so bad that Michael gets busted for shoplifting some meat (protein for his wrestling diet) from a local grocery store.

Meanwhile, Scott’s devious father, Bobby (Randall Batinkoff), hatches a scheme that involves manipulating John into favoring his son. From there, the main thrust of the film deals with John attempting to redeem himself through his actions as Bobby’s nefarious plan closes in around him. John also has a soft spot for Michael, whom he begins to think of as his protégé.

Slow Burn

One enjoyable thing about this movie was that its slow burn was indicative of many great indie films I’ve seen. Director Glenn Withrow (“The Outsiders,” “Rumblefish”) takes plenty of time to develop his characters and gradually reveals their motivations.

Cole Hauser as John Wright coaching Sean H. Scully as Michael Miller in “The Last Champion.” (Redburn Street Pictures)

There are also some great faith-based scenes in the movie that feel genuine. One of them involves John, filled with shame and self-pity, seeking spiritual guidance from Pastor Barnes. Their interaction seems natural and authentic, as if we are witnessing it organically unfold from just a few pews away.

The film’s positive messages of communal reconciliation, forgiveness, and redeeming one’s self by helping others are very timely in this modern day and age. Just be aware that it’s more suitable for older kids and their families since it does contain some violence.

‘The Last Champion’ Director: Glenn Withrow Starring: Cole Hauser, Sean H. Scully, Annika Marks MPAA Rating: PG-13 Running time: 2 hours, 2 minutes Release Date: Dec. 8, 2020 Rated: 4 stars out of 5