RESURRECTING THE CHAMP A KNOCK OUTIt's both a pleasure and a curse discovering a film that has flown under the radar for whatever reasons, but turns out to be insightful and sincere. This story is based on actual events that turn out to be a lie. Samuel Jackson, one of the finest actors in the business, plays "The Champ" a homeless man with a ruddy complexion and a love of beer. One night Erick Kernan (Josh Hartnett), green sports reporter working on back burner, well-hidden stories comes across a groups of punk kids beating up on the man. The two engage in conversation and the reporter smells a winning story, just what he needs after his editor says he "sees a lot of typing, but not a lot of writing." He gets to know the Champ, but doesn't get to know the person.
Sometimes we need the truth to be clean and, well, true, no matter what reality is. We find out later in the film that this includes the dynamics of father/son bonding. Kernan wrestles with his father's ghost and his son's adoration. Some say the ending is sad, but even with the sadness comes redemption. The idea sinks in on the importance of being who you are, no matter where you are. As mentioned, Samuel Jackson owns this movie. His performance is flawless and steady. Hartnett, on the other hand, was horribly miscast in his role. It wasn't his acting, but rather is teenage/boyish face that stands out. Although he is supposed to be young and a budding writer, he looks like he is writing a book report rather than an article. Additionally, his son was miscast as well. When do six-year-olds talk like that? When does a six-year-old understand the abstract issues bouncing around in his father's head? He is cute, but unbelievable as far as his dialogue. All in all, I enjoyed this film and, did I mention, LOVED Samuel Jackson?!?
PICK: Suspend your expectation for realism and enjoy an entertaining movie.
