Woody Harrelson’s new film means well – but disabled people are more than mascots | Cathy Reay

Feelgood comedy Champions wins points for casting learning disabled actors - but Hollywood should be aiming higher than the way it treats their characters

I wanna say the right thing but if I can't call them the r-word, what can I call them?" Marcus (played by Woody Harrelson) is a basketball coach in court for drunk-driving and aggressive behaviour, and this is what he asks the judge rather pathetically at the beginning of his new movie Champions. I suggest you call them by their names," she replies tersely, sentencing him to 90 days' community service coaching the Friends, a basketball team with learning disabilities. Wow - what a punishment! My heart bleeds.

This is Marcus's chance to redeem himself and ultimately, become A Good Guy^TM. Within 90 days, he must halt his drink problem and stop resorting to violence when he doesn't get his own way. Oh, and he's a womaniser too - spending time with some disabled people will probably fix that as well, right? Yuck.