Okay this is a really cheesy movie, but my kids LOVE IT! I am trying to find it for them for Christmas! Its definitely not the best editing,acting, plot, etc. However, for kids, its not so bad! Mine are 3,4, and 5. Again, not MY favorite movie, but it certainly is on their list! They loved the kissing scene at the end. It is a feel good movie without violence, cuss words, or adult issues. It was fun to see Bruce Willis, Julia Roberts, Natalie Maines, and George Strait take on simple, but fun roles. I think the movie is worth watching at least once, even if you don't buy it. Just don't expect this to be an award winning movie! Have fun, remember being a kid and going on an adventure.
18 Reviews
Reeks of falseness when it isn't reeking of cow...........- well, maybe it's not that bad but Grand Champion leaves a lot to be desired.
johnnyboyz2 June 2010
I think when you make a film as corny and as silly as Grand Champion but go so far as to additionally include a pet animal whose name is 'Hokey'; whilst revolving the whole thing around kids being put through a process of coming to terms with life and death and friendship and honour and so forth, the very items any adult in the audience will most probably have come into contact with in the past, you're entering into a world of hurt. Grand Champion is unashamed in its targeting of itself at people of around ten and under, practically steering clear of any sort of content fit for any adult of any nature before eventually manifesting into some kind of twisted rendition of, with hindsight, 2008's No Country for Old Men but played for something like kids under seven. This, during which a cow is dragged across the dusty Texan wilderness as other parties are all out looking for both it and the children whom have fool-heartedly ran off with it.
The deal is: the enemies dress in black and come across as shifty and ominous without doing much wrong; home is a pleasant and happy place while the rest of the world is rather large and frightening; animals are really cute and, like, the best things in the world and county music plus dancing is really fun and ought-be done whenever possible. The film revolves around a young boy named Buddy (Fisher), whom lives on a farm with his mother Hallie (Adams) and sister played by Emma Roberts, who'll no doubt look back on this film if she catapults into stardom in the next few years, and smirk. Very early on, a calf is born and the kids treat it like it's the second coming; they cannot get enough of it and eventually come to invite it into the house so as it may live with them. The cow is Hokey, so's the film: 'boom-boom' – there's the gag, no need to mention it again and the whole thing exists so as to build some sort of affliction the kids have with the animal.
What Buddy begins with and what Buddy ends with are the film's failures. The film is essentially something screenwriters at screen writing seminars refer to as a (cue schmaltzy voice-over) "circular journey" in that characters exist; they leave a designated 'space' as they enter a large, wide world and then end up at the beginning again hopefully wiser on life. The problem is, Grand Champion wants to be about the item of death being a part of life put across by this cow, who we assume is to be taken away to an abattoir after winning some prizes at particular events that grade them on something like succulence, but distilled through the eyes of this young protagonist Buddy who must part with his friend and accept loss and death as items of life. The issue is, what Buddy begins with and ends with after going on a rambling misadventure is practically the same and then-some, thanks to a certain character who awards the lead with both life as well as riches.
It's here Grand Champion feels misguided, and ultimately, falls hopelessly flat. Buddy's prior tragedy of his father dying when he was oh, so very young and consequently being denied the chance to truly know him has to be identified as the opportunity to learn of friendship; a bond and indeed love for a fellow living individual that never was. Similar above tendencies towards Hokey enable Buddy to feel, think and react to a fellow companion, but this time properly experience the pain of loss. It's here someone appears to have got cold feet over proceedings, opting for an alternate ending that doesn't see any one learn anything and consequently bottom out. The film consists, for the most part, of Hokey being entered into various bovine versions of Crufts during which arguably the worst radio DJ, in the world, ever, narrates proceedings to us, the audience. Hokey is pitted against a big black cow; owned by big stern looking men whom wear black and drive around in a big black pick-up. They sit in an elevated position during the shows, establishing a sense of power and apparent ruthlessness, but at one point must resort to touching some poo, at which point I guess all the kids in the audience are meant to laugh. By the time the film has become No Country for Old Men for under sevens, I was left slightly uninterested and wandered what answer these guys might have in answer to Anton Chigurh and his portable tank designed for cattle-slaughtering.
The film's 93 minutes long; a sequence half way through exists purely to bulk out the runtime when a real life line dancer dances for us; there is little peril for the most part, apart from 'will they/won't they win the competition' they're currently in and there's a little sexual tension between mother Hallie and a local vet that goes absolutely nowhere. But the biggest cringe is left for when a certain A-list Hollywood star, whose name if I told you would completely spoil it, makes his presence known playing a millionaire. The characters are in awe of him just as much as the film is, in a self-reflective way that acknowledges he's much bigger and better than the project by way of the manner his presence is constructed as he sits in a limousine. Whilst it was pleasant to see a child's film unashamed in who it's aimed at, a film looking at team work and the bond kids have with one-another which eventually form friendships; and without wedging in the need to explore similar criteria whilst carrying an erotic surge or leery sensibility like in 2004's Thunderbirds or the 2007 St. Trinian's remake, the film is still the sum total of its parts: a rather daft, rather bland picture of barely any note at all.
The deal is: the enemies dress in black and come across as shifty and ominous without doing much wrong; home is a pleasant and happy place while the rest of the world is rather large and frightening; animals are really cute and, like, the best things in the world and county music plus dancing is really fun and ought-be done whenever possible. The film revolves around a young boy named Buddy (Fisher), whom lives on a farm with his mother Hallie (Adams) and sister played by Emma Roberts, who'll no doubt look back on this film if she catapults into stardom in the next few years, and smirk. Very early on, a calf is born and the kids treat it like it's the second coming; they cannot get enough of it and eventually come to invite it into the house so as it may live with them. The cow is Hokey, so's the film: 'boom-boom' – there's the gag, no need to mention it again and the whole thing exists so as to build some sort of affliction the kids have with the animal.
What Buddy begins with and what Buddy ends with are the film's failures. The film is essentially something screenwriters at screen writing seminars refer to as a (cue schmaltzy voice-over) "circular journey" in that characters exist; they leave a designated 'space' as they enter a large, wide world and then end up at the beginning again hopefully wiser on life. The problem is, Grand Champion wants to be about the item of death being a part of life put across by this cow, who we assume is to be taken away to an abattoir after winning some prizes at particular events that grade them on something like succulence, but distilled through the eyes of this young protagonist Buddy who must part with his friend and accept loss and death as items of life. The issue is, what Buddy begins with and ends with after going on a rambling misadventure is practically the same and then-some, thanks to a certain character who awards the lead with both life as well as riches.
It's here Grand Champion feels misguided, and ultimately, falls hopelessly flat. Buddy's prior tragedy of his father dying when he was oh, so very young and consequently being denied the chance to truly know him has to be identified as the opportunity to learn of friendship; a bond and indeed love for a fellow living individual that never was. Similar above tendencies towards Hokey enable Buddy to feel, think and react to a fellow companion, but this time properly experience the pain of loss. It's here someone appears to have got cold feet over proceedings, opting for an alternate ending that doesn't see any one learn anything and consequently bottom out. The film consists, for the most part, of Hokey being entered into various bovine versions of Crufts during which arguably the worst radio DJ, in the world, ever, narrates proceedings to us, the audience. Hokey is pitted against a big black cow; owned by big stern looking men whom wear black and drive around in a big black pick-up. They sit in an elevated position during the shows, establishing a sense of power and apparent ruthlessness, but at one point must resort to touching some poo, at which point I guess all the kids in the audience are meant to laugh. By the time the film has become No Country for Old Men for under sevens, I was left slightly uninterested and wandered what answer these guys might have in answer to Anton Chigurh and his portable tank designed for cattle-slaughtering.
The film's 93 minutes long; a sequence half way through exists purely to bulk out the runtime when a real life line dancer dances for us; there is little peril for the most part, apart from 'will they/won't they win the competition' they're currently in and there's a little sexual tension between mother Hallie and a local vet that goes absolutely nowhere. But the biggest cringe is left for when a certain A-list Hollywood star, whose name if I told you would completely spoil it, makes his presence known playing a millionaire. The characters are in awe of him just as much as the film is, in a self-reflective way that acknowledges he's much bigger and better than the project by way of the manner his presence is constructed as he sits in a limousine. Whilst it was pleasant to see a child's film unashamed in who it's aimed at, a film looking at team work and the bond kids have with one-another which eventually form friendships; and without wedging in the need to explore similar criteria whilst carrying an erotic surge or leery sensibility like in 2004's Thunderbirds or the 2007 St. Trinian's remake, the film is still the sum total of its parts: a rather daft, rather bland picture of barely any note at all.
a charming family film
tracy-4546 March 2009
We all enjoyed the movie. It is a very charming family film with many fun cameos. It was fun to see Austin musicians, Charlie Robison, Joe Ely and Robert Earl Keen in the film as well as turns by famous actors Julia Roberts and Bruce Willis. Emma Roberts is especially cute in the film however all the children are good. The west Texas scenery is great as is the soundtrack full of Texas artists. The last half seemed a bit far fetched to me, however, my son was interested throughout the film which is not so often with him. Something in the storyline was captivating for children. Having shown calves as a child, I really liked the ending. That is definitely not the way it really works unless you have heifers.
A little old fashion but lots of fun!!! A++
Marjy2 September 2004
Grand Champion is a bit old fashion at first glance. Andrew Morton at the Fort Worth Star Telegram said it best "If Walt Disney had hailed from Texas, he would have made Grand Champion"
The movie does not have the video and special effects but it has heart and soul. The kids are great and the array of stars is incredible. I bet Bruce Willis and Julia Roberts are proud to be in a movie that their kids can actually see:) (G rated)
This is a masterfully crafted "simple" little film made in Texas by Texas Barry Tubb. Take your kids, take your kids friends, take Grandma too....they will all enjoy it and you will too.
The movie does not have the video and special effects but it has heart and soul. The kids are great and the array of stars is incredible. I bet Bruce Willis and Julia Roberts are proud to be in a movie that their kids can actually see:) (G rated)
This is a masterfully crafted "simple" little film made in Texas by Texas Barry Tubb. Take your kids, take your kids friends, take Grandma too....they will all enjoy it and you will too.
"Hokey" but really good
misyrainbowhamha24 May 2005
First I am a teenager. OK, and I have to say this movie was pretty good. I think any kid ten and under will like it, but people my age an up might be a little, um, a, well, we'd describe the movie as LAME! But I liked it. It may be that I still act like a kid, or I visit a cattle farm every weekend, but this movie was cute. I did like how the actors were like kids, not little blonde cutesy pies, wearing three layers of clothes, a trendy hat, and about a thousand assecories (like most shows today, to name a few, Drake & Josh, Lizzie Mc Guire, well any kid show.) And the setting was perfect, but there was a flaw. The family was in debt, right? Why in the world did their internal house look like something out of a "western" versace store? That was one flaw.
The cameos are great, there's about five hundred of them, and the only explainable one is Julia Roberts being the main little girl's aunt. How in the world did they get everyone else? This movie seemed to be on a tight type budget.
I liked this movie, it was a fun one to watch, and I thought some parts were far fetched (Like a cow selling for $750,000? Ha! my butt a cow sells for that much!) But otherwise it was good, I liked it, and I could watch it again. But I'd never buy it, there's not even special features on the DVD! What's up with that? But do rent it, especially if you have little kids running around the house.
The cameos are great, there's about five hundred of them, and the only explainable one is Julia Roberts being the main little girl's aunt. How in the world did they get everyone else? This movie seemed to be on a tight type budget.
I liked this movie, it was a fun one to watch, and I thought some parts were far fetched (Like a cow selling for $750,000? Ha! my butt a cow sells for that much!) But otherwise it was good, I liked it, and I could watch it again. But I'd never buy it, there's not even special features on the DVD! What's up with that? But do rent it, especially if you have little kids running around the house.
Did you all see the same movie I saw?
jsalavar30 September 2004
I'm reading these comments and scratching my head. Words like "well made", "excellent", "skillfully" are being applied to a movie that was filmed in 2001 but took three years to find someone to distribute the thing. Yes, it is simple G rated fair, good for family viewing but it doesn't mean it has to stink up the theater. "Babe", for example, is one of the greatest G-rated movies made (I think it's G-rated). That is how family movies should be made. Or look at any of the older Disney G-rated live action movies. None of those have the plot holes and acting pitfalls that Grand Champion contains.
Kids ages six and under will like this movie but after that most kids will look at you and say "what the???"
Kids ages six and under will like this movie but after that most kids will look at you and say "what the???"
Feel good, clean family movie
Kraeinva13 August 2006
I have watched Grand Champion all the way through at least twice now. I enjoyed the movie's story, the characters and the actors were not bad. It is refreshing to see a G rated movie. This is a feel good movie. The story is mostly from the view of the children. The interactions between the kids and the adults makes the story interesting. I recommend this movie if you are looking for a family film. If you liked the Little Rascals, you will probably enjoy this. I viewed this movie on cable. Either on Encore or Showtime family. This is not a movie that I would have gone to see at the theatre. But, I only go to the theatre for the effects of the big screen, so most comedies, romantic films, or dramas I do not go for big screen-I wait for TV/cable edition. Get your kids together, pop some popcorn and enjoy!
Grand Champion is a great family movie
RobertPatterson5 September 2004
Went to the Preview Engagement of "Grand Champion" today (Dallas/Fort Worth, Austin, Snyder and a couple of other Texas cities). There are so few movies suitable for young children...but this one is, and it's great. Though the plot is a little "Hokey" (also the name of the steer in the movie), it is a wonderful story for children. And I enjoyed it, too.
The film pretty well represents West Texas ranch family life, although a little exaggerated. Director/Author Barry Tubb ought to get it right since he grew up in that environment. He called the film his "love letter to Texas."
Joey Lauren Adams plays the single mom of Buddy (Jacob Fisher) and Sister 'Blow' (Emma Roberts). Watch Emma Roberts (Julia Roberts' niece); she's very good and I think she will be in more films. There are also cameo appearances from Julia Roberts, Bruce Willis, musicians George Strait, Charlie Robison, Robert Earl Keen, Joe Ely and rodeo legends Larry Mahan and Tuff Hedeman.
If you have young children or just want to see a feel-good movie, check out "Grand Champion" when it comes to your city (supposedly later this month). Y'all will enjoy it and it WILL make you feel good.
I guess since I'm from West Texas, I might be a little biased...nah, I'm impartial. The film is excellent!
The film pretty well represents West Texas ranch family life, although a little exaggerated. Director/Author Barry Tubb ought to get it right since he grew up in that environment. He called the film his "love letter to Texas."
Joey Lauren Adams plays the single mom of Buddy (Jacob Fisher) and Sister 'Blow' (Emma Roberts). Watch Emma Roberts (Julia Roberts' niece); she's very good and I think she will be in more films. There are also cameo appearances from Julia Roberts, Bruce Willis, musicians George Strait, Charlie Robison, Robert Earl Keen, Joe Ely and rodeo legends Larry Mahan and Tuff Hedeman.
If you have young children or just want to see a feel-good movie, check out "Grand Champion" when it comes to your city (supposedly later this month). Y'all will enjoy it and it WILL make you feel good.
I guess since I'm from West Texas, I might be a little biased...nah, I'm impartial. The film is excellent!
This is the way family movies should be made...
mid-cities-lady7 September 2004
My children, DD 7 and DS 10, enjoyed the movie so much they were squirming in their seats. It was good, old fashioned, Rated G, family fun. This movie was made for kids.... someone really understands them.
It was fun to see Julia Roberts, Brice Willis, Garth Brooks and the other stars make their cameo appearances.
As someone who lives in the city the fictional "Big Texas" was modeled after, I can say that they did an honest and accurate portrayal. The kids looked like kids, not like superstars.
I hope everyone supports this movie to send the message to Hollywood that we need more movies like this. Go see it, then spread the word!
It was fun to see Julia Roberts, Brice Willis, Garth Brooks and the other stars make their cameo appearances.
As someone who lives in the city the fictional "Big Texas" was modeled after, I can say that they did an honest and accurate portrayal. The kids looked like kids, not like superstars.
I hope everyone supports this movie to send the message to Hollywood that we need more movies like this. Go see it, then spread the word!
Worked on the crew of Grand Champion
adill223 May 2006
I had the privilege of being one of the Still photographers on the set of "Grand Champion" and enjoyed every minute of the 42 days I worked on the movie. I have been in the Photography business for 25 years and have worked on 16 movies and I can't think of a time when I enjoyed providing my craft more. The Kids were wonderful to work with and little Emma Roberts has so much energy she's a real trip. She even grabbed one of my camera during the stockshow scene rehearsal and started shooting. Some of her images were used for PR. I could have made more money working for a production with a bigger budget but I doubt I would have had the fun and been around so many great actors and the great people of West Texas as I was.
Charming fun family flick...Looking forward to my kids seeing it!
MacKenzie-LaGesse24 August 2004
It was easy to get lost in the simplicity and light hearted humor of this year's best family film...Grand Champion. The story of a 12 year old boy (Buddy) that with the help of his sister, Mom and best friend is determined to raise a Grand Champion steer. It is a whimsical journey to the big competition. After Hokey Pokey is crowned, Grand Champion, he is auctioned for $775,000. to pay for the kids college education. Buddy finds out that the next time he sees Hokey....it would be on a bun! The kids conspire to steal the prize winning steer,vowing to save him from the BBQ. This is where the fun begins...Julia Roberts, Larry Mahan, George Strait, Natalie Maines, Steven Bland, Tommy Guy, Tuff Hedeman, and so many more stars create the backdrop for all the antics. You wont believe who actually won the steer at the auction!!! (he looks good in a mustache) The soundtrack is rich with tunes from George Strait, Natalie Maines, Willie Nelson and more. Where else can you experience Movie stars, Country & Western stars and Rodeo stars....only in Texas...only in Grand Champion.
It is masterfully crafted "simple" little film that may be the best movie you see this year. The movie opens in select cities on Friday, August 27th. 2004.
Another great film from Rope the Moon and Michaelson Productions is IN A WHISPER. Keep an eye out on the cable networks for this one!
It is masterfully crafted "simple" little film that may be the best movie you see this year. The movie opens in select cities on Friday, August 27th. 2004.
Another great film from Rope the Moon and Michaelson Productions is IN A WHISPER. Keep an eye out on the cable networks for this one!
wonderful family film
debmac6313 August 2005
My mom and I went to the Ft Worth Premiere mainly to see George Strait, but ended up getting the chance to see the movie premier at Bass Hall. What a wonderful, beautiful film which not only depicts the beautiful Texas landscape, but also had a great feel-good storyline. It was well written, directed and produced and my mom and I loved it from start to finish!. Thank you Jay for giving us the opportunity to be a part of the premiere of this wonderful movie. It was a night we will never forget. As if seeing the movie was not enough, we also were fortunate enough to be sitting 4 rows in front of my favorite singer, George Strait!! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!! Keep up the great work and again, thank you!
Debbie McClendon & Maureen Daugherty Ft. Worth, TX
Debbie McClendon & Maureen Daugherty Ft. Worth, TX
Steered Wrong!
jsalavar7 September 2004
First of all, IMDb has this listed as a 2002 release but it was just released in August 2004. Second, this movie stinks. Bad acting, bad editing, bad writing, bad plot. The entire cast and crew must have fallen into one of Hokey's cow patties before putting this thing together. My son and I laughed not because the movie was funny but because it was embarrassingly bad. I put it up there with Disney's Lilo & Stitch as far as stinkers.
Julia Roberts and Bruce Willis in this movie??? Barry Tubbs must have some goat pictures or something
Don't waste your money at the theater or on the DVD.
Julia Roberts and Bruce Willis in this movie??? Barry Tubbs must have some goat pictures or something
Don't waste your money at the theater or on the DVD.
A Must Have DVD
ejwdavis8 February 2005
Everybody interested in Texas needs to have this DVD. It's just a good movie about real Texas with great scenes. It took a bunch of Texans to do this right. Hollywood never would have gotten it. There are so many subtle things that Tubb put in the movie and may not have even thought about, but it makes the show.
Guest cameos are not seen as cameos at all. Each star fits in perfectly and does not distract from the film. Many of the guests spots blend so perfect that when the credits roll you will go back through the movie to find the character. Strait's roll is dead on, it could not have been done any better in real life.
The second half of the movie is completely different from the first, it get's a little "hokey", but that's alright. Somehow the storyline works. The "hokey" stuff is like an after school special but it looks believable and natural.
I have never heard anyone use the Sonny Pruitt line before, other than locals that I grew up with. That was the icing on the cake for me.
Definitely a collectible, right up there with Pure Country, Sugarland Express, Jr. Bonner, Texasville, The Last Picture Show, Giant, and of course Hud.
Gig'em Aggies '86
Guest cameos are not seen as cameos at all. Each star fits in perfectly and does not distract from the film. Many of the guests spots blend so perfect that when the credits roll you will go back through the movie to find the character. Strait's roll is dead on, it could not have been done any better in real life.
The second half of the movie is completely different from the first, it get's a little "hokey", but that's alright. Somehow the storyline works. The "hokey" stuff is like an after school special but it looks believable and natural.
I have never heard anyone use the Sonny Pruitt line before, other than locals that I grew up with. That was the icing on the cake for me.
Definitely a collectible, right up there with Pure Country, Sugarland Express, Jr. Bonner, Texasville, The Last Picture Show, Giant, and of course Hud.
Gig'em Aggies '86
Heartwarming and Cute!
andy5534-115 January 2006
Warning: Spoilers
Not all movies are Oscar worthy but let's face it, sometimes these types of movies are more fun to watch and leave a longer and lasting impression. This one left me smiling and happy and I couldn't wait to hug my own son. Anyone who has had a pet (no matter what type) knows what it feels like to lose one. I believe most people would identify with Buddy almost losing his best friend who he raised from birth. Bruce Willis was great as the tycoon turned nice guy and Joey Lauren Adams was convincing as a good mother. The little boy who played Buddy had a cherub face and his sister and friend Edgar played terrific backup roles. Liked the movie a lot and it was something the whole family could enjoy. Thanks!
Great Family Entertainment
J. David28 January 2005
This is the kind of movie that I grew up on. It is great family fun, that the kids love and the parents enjoy as well. I wish more films like this were made. It's a great story about a little boy who raises a Bull with his mother and sister, and shows it all the way up to the National Grand Championship, where he wins! Then he's scared that someone's going to barbecue his bull, so he kidnaps it and heads home with it. I was really excited when I first saw this film in the theater and was surprised to see George Strait, Julia Roberts and Bruce Willis in this little film. The music was great with all kinds of huge country names like Willie Nelson and the Dixie Chicks. Anyone who doesn't enjoy this movie, doesn't have any children or never was a kid them self.
Bruce Willis, Julia Roberts, George Strait... need I say more?
HannoverHouse18 September 2004
Without doubt, GRAND CHAMPION has the most impressive cast of "AAA" level stars and musicians ever gathered together for a fun, "G" rated family adventure. This is a MUST BUY for every video collection! Director BARRY TUBB skillfully combines the drama of the rodeo / 4H competition for the "GRAND CHAMPION" cow with a touching and funny story of perseverance against difficult challenges. Joey Lauren Adams delivers her typically solid performance as the well-intentioned mother, but the star of the show is 12-year-old EMMA ROBERTS, whose on-camera presence is a glowing as that of her famous aunt, JULIA. You can expect a lot from this young Roberts-protégé' as is already proving itself in her new, hit Nickelodeon series, "UNFABULOUS."
Great family movie
kriswoodall7 January 2006
Warning: Spoilers
I loved this movie. My daughter is 3 1/2 and a country girl at heart. There are not any movies for young children. I loved this one because the worst thing in it was when one of the boys said "stupid". I applaud them for stepping out and making a true family movie. I rented it the first time we saw it and know looking to buy to add to our collection. My daughter can not stop talking about it. It goes along with our lifestyle. We live in East Texas. I hope to see more family films like this one. She even named one of our calves "Hokey Pokey Keen"!!! I can not say enough about this movie. I look forward to many more films like this one.
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