Variety.com

Posted: Thurs., Jun. 3, 1999
 
That Championship Season

(Dramatic Telepic -- Showtime; Sun. June 6, 9 p.m.)
 
Filmed in Los Angeles by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Prods. Producer, Steven Greener; exec producer, Gary Sinise; co-producer, Jeremiah Samuels; director, Paul Sorvino; writer, Jason Miller, based on Miller's play.
 
Phil Romano - Vincent D'Onofrio
James Daley - Terry Kinney
George Sitkowski - Tony Shalhoub
Tom Daley - Gary Sinise
Coach - Paul Sorvino

 
By MICHAEL SPEIER

A classic tale of machismo and missed opportunities, "That Championship Season" is one of American theater's most honored -- and staged -- contemporary works. But while Showtime has rounded up an accomplished cast to modernize the angst and anger harbored by a group of middle-aged dreamers, this '90s execution of Jason Miller's Pulitzer Prize-winning play is a dramatic air ball. Making his feature directorial debut, Paul Sorvino, who also co-stars, fails to capture any sense of despondency and passion, and his rigid construction proves very limiting for the thesps. Although viewers who haven't yet experienced "Season" may take to its populist sentimentality, old pros will feel cheated at the final buzzer.

This rendition of "Season" looks and sounds like an overly masculine "Breakfast Club" redux full of moaning and what-ifs. And the design is as unconvincing as the treatment: A small screen film depicting miserable adults yapping about their sorrow needs spontaneity and raw emotion, but the manufactured problems and conversations peppered throughout Miller's teleplay seem more assembled than sincere. Only Gary Sinise and Vincent D'Onofrio nail their respective characters' complexities, bringing a welcome depth to their roles.

In 1978, the Fillmore Leprechauns from Scranton, Pa., won the state basketball title against incredible odds. Twenty years later, the team (minus one) has gathered at their coach's house to relive cherished memories after a celebration at their alma mater. There to reminisce are the wealthy, scheming Phil Romano (D'Onofrio); the town's mayor, George Sitkowski (Tony Shalhoub); his campaign manager, James Daley (Terry Kinney); and James' brother, Tom (Sinise).

The reunion begins comfortably, with the guys ready to nourish their egos by revisiting their one shining moment. When Coach (Sorvino) comes downstairs with a whistle around his neck and a head full of go-get-'em inspiration, the foursome stands at attention before the laughter and back-patting begins.

But the loving buddies soon dissolve into a bitter and confused group of men who doubt their own loyalties, criticize their achievements and question their happiness. As the night progresses, Phil, who questions George's political skills, admits to an affair with George's wife; James wallows in self-loathing; Coach preaches his prejudicial world view; and Tom's reliance on alcohol becomes unbearably frustrating.

Eventually, Tom, who spends the evening throwing out one-liners and downing booze, explains the fifth teammate's absence and expresses his deep regrets about winning the trophy. By then, however, auds will wonder why everyone is sticking around for this abuse-fest in the first place.

As "Season's" inebriated has-been, Sinise, who exec produced, is filled with the appropriate amount of disassociation and bogus hope; as the sob stories are told, Tom, who should have a lot to ponder, is perfectly content. It's a solid performance, matched only by that of D'Onofrio, who is right on as the weaselly suit hell-bent on ruining George's re-election bid; his sly eyes and cocky exterior are powerful.

Conversely, Kinney and Shalhoub are flat as the other washouts, and Sorvino, who toplined the original Broadway production and the 1982 pic version (as Phil), isn't very moving as the pack's leader.

The lack of contagious energy really hurts "Season," especially since the one-set locale is completely reliant on consistent excellence within the perfs and dialogue; Miller's words are the true celebrities, but they're not always well-spoken.

Tech credits are standard.
 
Production designer, John DeCuir Jr.; camera, Bruce Surtees; editor, Leo Trombetta; music, Larry Blank; costume designer, Theadora Van Runkle; casting, Mary Jo Slater. 2 HOURS.