Champions of Cinema

By: Joe Walker and James Marshall
  • Summary

  • Are these the best sports movies ever made? Or just another glass jawed journeyman looking for a payday? Joe Walker and James Marshall are a coach and athlete duo who both studied and competed at Loughborough University and share a passion for the silver screen when the lights go down. Join them on their search for the Champions of Cinema!

    © 2024 Champions of Cinema
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Episodes
  • Creed II (2018) – What Happens When Revenge Becomes a Family Business?
    Apr 29 2025

    "Your daddy died in the ring. You think that makes you a hero?" In this episode, we step back between the ropes for Creed II (2018), a sequel that hits just as hard emotionally as it does physically—where legacies collide, and the past comes back swinging.

    Adonis Creed is now the heavyweight champion, but glory comes with a price. When Viktor Drago—son of the man who killed Apollo Creed—challenges him, it's more than just a title fight. It’s personal. It’s legacy. It’s unfinished business from a war that started decades ago.

    We dive deep into the emotional and physical toll of Adonis’ journey, from the strain on his relationship with Bianca and the challenges of new fatherhood, to the weight of revenge and redemption. With Rocky still in his corner, but fighting battles of his own, Creed II becomes a story about family, forgiveness, and finding strength in vulnerability.

    Join us as we explore whether vengeance is ever worth it, how the sins of the father haunt the sons, and why this sequel delivers far more than just another training montage. This is Creed at his crossroads—will he rise, or will the past drag him down?

    The Hosts

    Joe Walker is a Sports Coach and graduate of Loughborough University, with 16 years coaching experience and a degree in Sports Coaching. His first passion has always been movies and the stories that they tell.

    James Marshall is a 2x National Championship winning athlete and graduate of Loughborough University. He has a background in a variety of sports including American Football, Athletics, and Swimming. He grew up with aspirations to pursue a life in Drama and Acting.

    Contact Info

    Instagram - @championsofcinema

    TikTok - @champions.of.cine

    Email - Championsofcinema@gmail.com

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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • "Creed (2016) – Can You Earn a Legacy That Was Never Yours to Begin With?"
    Apr 22 2025

    "You're born with a name, but you earn your legacy." In this episode, we lace up the gloves for Creed (2016), the powerful rebirth of the Rocky franchise that introduces a new fighter with a familiar name—and an even bigger shadow to step out from under.

    Adonis Johnson, the son of boxing legend Apollo Creed, is fighting more than just opponents in the ring—he’s fighting for identity, for respect, and for a chance to forge his own path. With Rocky Balboa stepping into the role of mentor, this is a story about mentorship, legacy, and the hunger to prove yourself when no one else believes you can.

    We break down Adonis’ journey from troubled beginnings to contender status, analyze his relationship with Rocky, and dive into the emotional weight of carrying a name that defined a generation of champions. This film doesn’t just revive a franchise—it redefines what it means to fight for something bigger than yourself.

    Join us as we explore why Creed punches way above its weight, and how it manages to honor the past while delivering a fresh, emotionally charged new chapter.

    The Hosts

    Joe Walker is a Sports Coach and graduate of Loughborough University, with 16 years coaching experience and a degree in Sports Coaching. His first passion has always been movies and the stories that they tell.

    James Marshall is a 2x National Championship winning athlete and graduate of Loughborough University. He has a background in a variety of sports including American Football, Athletics, and Swimming. He grew up with aspirations to pursue a life in Drama and Acting.

    Contact Info

    Instagram - @championsofcinema TikTok - @champions.of.cine Email - Championsofcinema@gmail.com

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    1 hr and 20 mins
  • Rocky Balboa (2006) - Why can't Stallone and Co work out that Boxers don't make good actors in boxing films?
    Apr 15 2025

    "this Podcast's gonna be the best podcast in the world. This podcast's gonna be something better than anything I ever knew." In this episode, we step back into the ring for Rocky Balboa (2006), where the Italian Stallion is now facing his biggest opponent yet: time.

    After a decade of living with the ghosts of his past, Rocky returns to the ring, but this time it’s not about fame or glory—it’s about proving to himself that he’s still got what it takes. It’s a story of second chances, resilience, and the raw determination to never stop fighting, even when the odds are stacked against you.

    We explore Rocky’s return to boxing as an aging champion, his relationship with his son, and the emotional weight of a legacy that he can’t shake. Along the way, we’ll break down his underdog comeback, analyze the heart of the story, and discuss why Rocky Balboa might just be the most underrated film in the franchise.

    Join us as we examine what makes this film a true testament to the spirit of never giving up—and whether it’s a worthy capstone to the Rocky saga or a final bell that rings too soon.

    The Hosts

    Joe Walker is a Sports Coach and graduate of Loughborough University, with 16 years coaching experience and a degree in Sports Coaching. His first passion has always been movies and the stories that they tell.

    James Marshall is a 2x National Championship winning athlete and graduate of Loughborough University. He has a background in a variety of sports including American Football, Athletics, and Swimming. He grew up with aspirations to pursue a life in Drama and Acting.

    Contact Info

    Instagram - @championsofcinema

    Tiktok - @champions.of.cine

    Email- Championsofcinema@gmail.com

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    1 hr and 19 mins

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