Iffy for 13+
Reporter's ethics get KO'd in bland boxing tale.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this sports drama revolves around boxing. Bloody fight scenes take place both in the present and in black-and-white flashbacks and involve violent, noisy, fast-cut footage. The Champ is homeless; he appears dirty, tattered, and repeatedly drunk, and he smokes a lot of cigarettes. The movie focuses on lying and telling stories to enhance your career and history, as well as tense relationships between fathers and sons. A couple of women appear in seductive outfits and poses. Language includes one use of "f--k," plus more colorful "ringside" language.
- Families can talk about the ethical compromises Erik makes in order to pursue his ambitions. How often do you think that happens in the world of media and journalism? Are journalists always objective, or do they have their own agendas? What's their responsibility to their audience? How much of what you see and read in the media can you believe? Families can also discuss the movie's father-son relationships. Is Erik trying too hard to live up to his father's reputation? How do his lies complicate his own relationship with little Teddy?
What to watch for
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Violence: Frequent boxing scenes are filled with hard-hitting, noisy, sometimes slow-motion violence, with blood spurting, flesh splitting, and bodies falling. A group of kids beats up the Champ in an alley, kicking and hitting him for fun (bloody injuries are visible). Erik hits a computer screen in an angry moment.
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Sex: Girls in bikinis hold up placards between boxing rounds; producer appears in a slinky dress, trying to seduce Erik into a "torrid affair" (he turns her down).
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Language: At least one "f--k," plus other ringside/sports profanity ("s--t," "ass," "hell," "damn," "son of a bitch," "screw up"). The Champ refers to a Hispanic boxer as "the spicky kid" more than once.
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Consumerism: Advertisements for Showtime programs on office wall (Weeds, Dexter).
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: The Champ smokes cigarettes repeatedly; he also drinks beer (sometimes from a brown paper bag). Other social drinking in bars.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Outstanding by dawnspurr
First of all, I thought this was a movie about boxing, so I was not really excited to go. In fact it was a movie about wanting success...and what people are willing to attempt to have success. I left the movies thinking that this was one of the best movies I have seen in a long itme.
The acting was wonderful.
Remember this is based on a true story!!!
4
Great Movie That Theatres Are Forcing To Flop by Woussko
I find it very upsetting that just one week after opening that many theatres in my area are either pulling this movie or are only showing it once per day at some very off time. What gives? This is a very good movie for adults to see. Great acting skills and a good story where you will pay attention all the way through. I guess it's all a big game of $$$ and payoffs. Something is sure wrong. When theatres run total trash and pull the good movies maybe it's time to just stay home. GRRRRR
5
What a Great Movie! by jlynb1
After arriving at the theater to find 'The Eye' had misprinted the showing location and time for Stardust, my friend and I found ourselves bouncing from nearby theater to theater, looking for something to see. We came upon, "Resurrecting the Champ" quite by accident; and with neither of us having even heard of it, we went in with rather dubious outlooks on how we might end up liking it. In fact, when we asked the box office worker what the movie was about, they shrugged their shoulders and said... "um... boxing, I think". Hardly being a real boxing fan myself, I walked into the theatre fully expecting it to be a very Long next couple of hours.
What an amazing surprise!! It was such a great movie! The cinematography was beautiful, the casting was perfect, the characters were full of depth, life and believability! And, Samuel L. Jackson should, in my opinion be a real contender for an Oscar, for his portrayal of The Champ!
HIGHLY Recommended Must See!!! :D
5
Resurrecting the Champ by luvagoodmovie
I highly recommend this movie if you want to see a film with a great message for everyone. The moral delema of the star was one that most of us can relate to.
5
Resurrecting The Champ by David Gosslee
A very touching movie that deals with the inner dialougue of boxers and the intimate relationships they keep with each other with mutual respect for their opponents.
A young journalist seeking his career advancing blockbuster story is taken by a man who claims who he is not, with the young mans best wishes at heart he places him in a compromising position with his family and friends after the article is published.
A good film to see once as the message is director makes the message clear enough not to need to view the film again. The overall message of the film is:
be careful who trust and research everything. Never jump the gun just because it looks like it will make you hero, in Resurrecting The Champ, the gun was shooting blanks for the young oblivious journalist.
Overall an excellent performance by the lead and supporting actors, worth watching 100%.
5
Ressurecting The Champ by kger
Excellent. Very well done. A powerful story about truth and about life. Worth the time; it will move you.
4
a mental movie by tallcritter
slow at times, but actors were all 100% great .. . Sam is always the best!, even cameo by Peter Coyote almost got by me, I guess direction was slow. . .but good acting can pull a movie along. . . we can always see a movie story in a different light,..
5
Great by movie22copster
This movie was far more than I expected. Good story, good acting and great casting. I expect Samuel Jackson to be nominated for an Oscar for his performance. It was a very refreshing movie in today's movie market.