azamoracubillo
Kent Moran's "The Challenger" (2015) with Kent Moran, Michael Clarke Duncan, S. Epatha Merkerson, Justin Hartley, Frank Watson, Stan Carp, among others. Independent, low budget drama, winner of several Film Festivals, about a young man looking for his "American Dream" being a boxer, so we will witness his struggle and his inner strength. On his journey he will be accompanied by his adopted African-American mother, something you do not see every day, for Jade is white; And the support of your coach. The film has a classic narrative of the films about this sport, however, the approach is familiar, in the relations of the protagonist with his mother and with his coach, to all rule, the absent father's character, and ultimately, in his Struggle to become a family. Honorable mention for Kent Moran as director, actor, screenwriter, publisher and producer of the film, which at 35 years stands as a great promise in the industry. While the story is predictable, and goes through the commons remembering the saga "ROCKY" and the like, is fairly balanced, is exciting, and has a good rhythm; The direction is very good, with a part of documentary style, the frames are good, the way it was filmed, and the choices made, provide airs of sincerity, which are rarely seen on screen for a debutante director; The choreographies of the fights are well mounted, the edition fulfills well the 95 minutes of footage, which do not make anything heavy, giving it much dynamics, without decaying. The narrative, focusing on the family nucleus, has no romantic history, and it is not necessary, because the struggle is individual, a metaphor for the spectator, to get ahead in the face of adversity; It is not surprising that this struggle is somewhat tarnished by sentimentality and melodrama, but without being cheesy, forced, pathetic or superimposed. Of the cast, Kent Moran has a lot of potential, not only is he charismatic and talented, but comes out well in his records, more knowing of his multifunctionality in the production, and his character is given to want; Michael Clarke Duncan, in his last role before dying of a heart attack, is immense, demonstrating a great interpretive level, where we will witness his "swan song", an actor who had a lot to give; Also highlights S. Epatha Merkerson as the mother, who is the anchor and motive of the film. The antagonist, who is not such, because the real villain is adversity itself, Justin Hartley plays a good role, playing the protagonist's human opponent; Other fun characters, are the employer of the workshop, and the owner of the liquor store, who are friendly. Here "do not fight to lose" is a story of the weakest that outweigh the odds. Attention to the final credits, which are the icing on the cake, with the words of Clarke Duncan for a recording team of no more than 7 people. Kent Moran has a bright future ahead if he continues to perfect his craft, taking more risks, and researching issues in greater detail. A complete achievement, for a remarkable result, and very motivating if you see with an open mind. RECOMMENDED. It will NOT have a note in Lecturas Cinematográficas. http://lecturascinematograficas.blogspot.com/
MrChallenger
This movie despite some of the bad reviews and press it's gotten is an exceptionally well made film with a good cast that played their roles well. They had a low budget and a limited amount of time to get this movie done but the movie doesn't show that side to it at all, it had gripping moments that made you edge closer out of your seat. Everyone loves an underdog and this movie was all about the underdog, yet it showed with hard work anything is possible, it's an inspirational movie, the story was great, something you see less of day in and day out, no fancy film effects, just brilliant camera-work, excellent choreography that made everything so realistic, so believable. Everything in this movie had a purpose, everything was for a reason, nothing makes you sit there and think "Why was that there?" everything in your mind has a purpose for the movie, it builds the characters, there were no wasted scenes here. I think with a bigger budget and more time, this movie could have added a lot more, and really shown the world an even more in depth character that would make you wish the movie went on longer than it did.For me, I would highly recommend this movie to anyone, a lot of bad movies have been released lately, and it was nice to see something true to the art come from The Challenger. This movie for me was perfect for what it was, I'm not a critic and I don't rate every movie I ever watch and critique it, but I have taste, and I have a mind that can tell the truth from the bull, and this movie was truthfully refreshing.
subxerogravity
Possibly the best part of this movie was the fact that Michael Clarke Duncan starred in it, three years after his death. The movie does showcase what a good man we lost.Duncan plays a coach who sees potential in a poor kid from the Bronx who tries to fight his way out of his stereotypical life story.Unfortunately, the timing of this movie stinks. Despite the fact that it was most likely made first, it's released after the far better South Paw, makes me think of it as a low budget South Paw.What does set it apart from other boxing films is it's commentary on where boxing is today and what can be done to fix it, namely a Cable station wants to exploit the challenger with a reality show that leads up to his fight with the current heavy weight champ as to way to bring back the Heavy Weights that have been long gone since Tyson/Holyfeild.The challenger has a lot to its story without being too overwhelming. Although the actors were not that convincing for me as even light Heavyweights, they all worked together well to give an emotional heart filled story. The Best part of the boxing scenes is the advice the coaches would give the athletes in-between rounds. The focus on this, especially with Duncan's character is what the challenger brings to the table.Not the best boxing movie I've seen but it works for me. R.I.P Michael Clarke Duncan.
