The Champ (2007)

The Champ: Directed by Rod Lurie. With Samuel L. Jackson, Josh Hartnett, Kathryn Morris, Dakota Goyo. Up-and-coming sports reporter rescues a homeless man (“Champ”) only to discover that he is, in fact, a boxing legend believed to have passed away. What begins as an opportunity to resurrect Champ’s story and escape the shadow of his father’s success becomes a personal journey as the ambitious reporter reexamines his own life and his relationship with his family.

“Where did this movie come from? When I went to see it, I had heard nothing. No previews, no commercials, nothing. Thus, having no expectations, this small touching film, was a pleasant surprise. Director, Rod Lurie, who until a few years ago, was a – gasp!- critic, could have moved things along a little faster and perhaps cut down the subplots a little, but this is still an enjoyable film, with an Oscar-worthy performance from Samuel L. Jackson. The story is strong and there are some good characters, particularly in small roles. The project is apparently a true story (sort of) based on a Los Angeles Times article.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eJosh Hartnett is Erik, a struggling sports reporter who comes across a homeless man with a tale to tell. It seems the indigent man, known around the neighborhood as u0026#39;Champu0026#39;, whom Erik saves from the cruel attentions of some young idiots, was once a semi-successful boxer named u0026#39;Battling Bobu0026#39; Satterfield who had been rated 3rd in the world. Erik sets out to tell the manu0026#39;s story, for both of their benefit. Look for David Paymer and Teri Hatcher in small roles. Alan Alda has a very good supporting role as well, as Eriku0026#39;s boss, Metz.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThis was a pretty good drama that I saw as a kind of cross between The Fisher King and Street Smart. Some might find it too slow, but I felt that my patience was rewarded with a very good third act and a good overall viewing experience.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThis work was first posted on realmoviereview.com”