Product Description

Sportswriter Erik Kernan (Hartnett) wants nothing more than to discover a story great enough to make headlines. So when he meets Champ (Jackson), a former boxing champion living on the streets, he knows he has a shot to save them both. Recording his newfound friend's unbelievable tale of triumph and defeat, Kernan gets his story and his fame. But as Champ's tale falls under more scrutinizing eyes, Kernan will have to learn that what truly makes a story great is the quality of the man behind it.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #13418 in DVD
• Brand: TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX HOME ENT
• Released on: 2008-04-08
• Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
• Aspect ratio: 2.35:1
• ESRB Rating: Teen
• Formats: AC-3, Color, Dolby, DVD, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Subtitled in: English, Spanish
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: 1.00 pounds
• Running time: 112 minutes

Amazon.com
Loosely based on a Los Angeles Times Magazine story by J.R. Moehringer, Resurrecting the Champ is a heartfelt, thematically ambitious drama that attempts to work on several levels, and mostly pulls it off. On one level it's the story of a sloppy journalist named Erik Kernan (Josh Hartnett) who learns a painful lesson in humility when he's forced to confront his own shortcomings as a father and a sportswriter. On another level it's a richly human tale of redemption between the flawed reporter who's desperate to match his late father's professional reputation, and a former boxing champion (Samuel L. Jackson) who's now a homeless drifter on the streets of Denver, Colorado. When Kernan seizes on "The Champ" as the kind of personal, humanitarian story that could give him a much-needed career boost, he falls into the trap of his own ambition, making a professional mistake that threatens to ruin his career forever. While attempting to impress his 6-year-old son (Dakota Goyo) and win back the respect of his estranged wife (Kathryn Morris, from TV's Cold Case), Kernan is groomed for celebrity by a sexy Showtime executive (Teri Hatcher), but must ultimately get his values and priorities in order. Resurrecting the Champ emerges as a surprisingly thought-provoking study of professional and personal ethics, with some equally compelling observations about the modern state of journalism-as-show-business. Directed with a delicately sentimental touch by former film critic Rod Lurie (The Contender, The Last Castle), Resurrecting the Champ lacks the sharp focus that could've made it a modest classic, but it's a welcome relief from the mindless mayhem of big-studio blockbusters. Lurie's careful handling of the material is blessed by excellent performances by Hartnett and Jackson, with stellar support from Morris, Alan Alda, David Paymer, and especially Peter Coyote, almost unrecognizable under old-age makeup as a veteran boxing reporter who sets Hartnett's character on the road to redemption. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews

What an Excellent and Well Made Movie
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.

Excellent Story
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.

Ever Felt About 30% ?
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!