Customer Reviews

Resurrecting the Champ

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

But it Never ceases to amaze me why some people who review such films, have to spoil it for those who Haven't had a chance to see it? Any film that has Samuel Jackson, and Alan Alda in it? Im there. It was "Everything and More" than i Expected. A very moving, emotional film..that hits home in so many ways. If Jackson is Not nominated for an Academy Award? Something is wrong. One of his Most compelling, and heartfelt performances, ive ever seen. If you're looking for a movie that will hold your attention, and tell such a valuable story? This is One i highly recommend.

Why one review had to have a problem with an actor's hairstyle? Is way beyond me, its the last thing on my list, regarding a very important movie that should not be missed.

The one thing that drove me crazy in this movie was Josh Harnett's hair. I hate to sound like Grandpa Simpson, but "Get a haircut punk!" I suppose the act of moving his bangs out of his eyes every five seconds gives him chic points and street cred, but I found it distracting. Having said that, this is an excellent movie. There are many things to take from this movie, and I hate to take anyone's enjoyment away from the movie by revealing my perspective on it, but the father/son theme rang hard in my head throughout the movie. Samuel L. Jackson is, of course, brilliant. He doesn't even have to scream the patented Jackson scream in this movie to bring you on board. The thing about this movie that separated it from 99% of the movies of 2007 was the fact that it was a brilliant story first and a great movie second. I am sure I will receive some derision for saying this but, I did not see the plot twist coming. The reviewer said there was some problem with the pace of this movie. I thought it was perfect. I enjoyed the subtle morsel I was provided. Step by step, aspects of the plot are revealed. The characters are methodically revealed through repetition and revelation. With technology and the enhancements of the craft that have been learned through trial and error, most movies move along at a clip that can be dizzying at times. Resurrection takes its time and develops the plot and the characters and by the time the ending rolls around you receive the payoff. As a story teller, I found myself so exciting by the continuity of the conclusion I nearly leapt out of my seat screaming: "YES! That is it!" Unfortunately, it appears this little gem was drowned out by the big budget blockbusters that weren't half the movie this one was. Behind the movie Breech, I think this was the second best movie of 2007.

A movie about a down-and-almost-out boxer that FOR ONCE doesn't blast the entire sport of boxing. That alone could have made this film a masterpiece (or at least one of a kind). Anyone with a passion for the sweet Science will find this film well worth watching, as will anyone who seeks a drama that doesn't bore the viewer with the typical Hollywood schtick. Jackson steals his own film. You will hang on every line. Highly recommended!

While only the true diehard boxing fan is likely to be familiar with Bob Satterfield, the thunderous-punching, small heavyweight of the 1950's who missed being heavyweight champion by a hair's breadth, the movie actually has almost nothing to do with the great fighter. At first glance virtually everyone contemplating watching this movie, myself included, has already imagined this movie from beginning to end before popping it in their DVD player, certain that they are about to watch the gripping saga of a talented sports hero/celebrity reduced to the inexcusable ravages of homelessness, yet another lesson on the intolerance of our society for those it perceives as "failures" generally and of the disabled specifically. You are prepared, no doubt, to witness the heart-tugging saga of a poor soul whose brain (and/or body) has been debilitated by too many punches, and the heartless society that kicks him when he is down because they never had the courage to do so when he was in his prime. Well, that IS a great story, and is an unfortunate true story for many ex-boxers (see Sam Langford, one of the greatest fighters of all time, e.g.), but that is not this story.

The fortunate viewer is treated instead to a story about the complexity and relativity of success and failure, contrasting an admixture of various failures and successes and the complete lack of a nexus between material reward for true success, and the punishment of destitution for true failure. The movie graphically shows the difficulty, and often, injustice, of applying such absolute final judgments as "success" and "failure" to an entire life, and how success/failure are in constant flux along the failure/success spectrum, not fixed finalities.

This is Samuel L. Jackson's best performance. His character is tragically aware of his state of variable reduced capacity, and even candidly rates it when asked how he is doing! Jackson also hauntingly and extremely accurately portrays how the mentally disabled often have periods of concise awareness and focus, and during those moments Jackson's eyes change accordingly to reflect The Champ's heightened awareness.

Jackson's great performance and a good storyline that you cannot predict or anticipate (and I have not given it away) are the two main reasons to see this very good movie.

A solid morality play with a jaw-dropper of a twist ending, RESURRECTING THE CHAMP scores a knockout with great acting and a thought-provoking message.

Samuel L. Jackson turns in a brilliant performance as a washed-up boxer who now calls the streets and back alleys of Denver his home. Josh Harnett also shows subtle acting chops as the young reporter determined to tell the Champ's story. Alan Alda, too, is utterly convincing as the tough but kind newspaper editor who pushes his young writers to greatness.

The film shows a wonderful understanding of newsroom dynamics, and how writers and editors conspire to reel in a great story on deadline.

The movie's only weak point comes in the form of some heavy-handed moralizing that would have been better left to the viewers' own conclusions.

However - with its truly shocking conclusion and an excellent ensemble cast, RESURRECTING THE CHAMP is a film no viewer will soon forget.

Never mind what you think of boxing pictures, sports pictures, or Josh Hartnett. Resurrecting the Champ concerns weighty matters of journalistic ethics, workplace ethics, how fathers raise their sons, the lives of the homeless, the steps people must take to achieve maturity, and most importantly, how we create myths about ourselves, especially with the help of the media. Along the way, it's about how history grinds up celebrities/heroes/public figures. (Is Samuel L. brilliant? You bet, but this reviewer's favorite scene just might be the one with Harry Lennix.)

Although Samuel L. Jackson long ago established himself as a great talent, he demonstrates his true range as an actor in "Resurrecting the Champ". His touching and often humorous portrayal of a "down and almost out" former prizefighter is probably his finest work ever. Hartnett and the remainder of the cast are quite good (it was nice to see Alan Alda), but this is Jackson's show all the way. I would highly recommend this one for repeat viewing.

While this movie may be a bit sappy and may be a little long, it is a great story about the relationship between fathers and sons integrated into a very loose interpretation of a true story. Samuel Jackson turns in one of his best performances every that is more than deserving of an Academy Award. No matter what your relationship is with your dad or with your son this movie will touch you at some level. And anytime an audience can be touched or moved by a movie, it must be considered a great story and that coupled with Jackson's performance is the reason I give this movie all FIVE STARS.

Cool storyline, and great twist! If you had one shot, would you do the same? At 90% for better or worse, I beleive most would not.

Two thumbs up!

Josh Hartnet and Samuel L Jackson play an extraordinary duo in this fantastic movie. Hignly recommended especially if you're a fan of these two actors