1975. Struggling underdog boxer and liquor salesman Chuck Wepner (a strong and convincing portrayal by Zach McGowan) from Bayonne, New Jersey gets the chance of a lifetime after he gets his big break to fight Muhammed Ali (nicely played by Jerrod Paige) in the ring. This match in turn inspires the movie "Rocky."
Director/co-writer Ken Kushner relates the absorbing story at a constant pace, maintains a hard-hitting gritty tone throughout, and offers an interesting exploration of fame, failure, and redemption as Wepner goes from minor celebrity status to crashing and burning when he gets too caught up in an exciting, but toxic and destructive fast lane lifestyle. The fine acting from the capable cast keeps this movie humming: Amy Smart as Wepner's sassy second wife Linda, Joe Pantoliano as tough trainer Al Braverman, Taryn Manning as fed-up long-suffering first wife Phyllis, Nick Leob as loyal and concerned brother Donnie, Jason James Richter as sleazy con man John Olson, Anthony Mango as an amiable Sly Stallone, and Robert Clohessy as shrewd lawyer Anthony Mango. The fight scenes are quite brutal and grueling. Worth a watch.
Director/co-writer Ken Kushner relates the absorbing story at a constant pace, maintains a hard-hitting gritty tone throughout, and offers an interesting exploration of fame, failure, and redemption as Wepner goes from minor celebrity status to crashing and burning when he gets too caught up in an exciting, but toxic and destructive fast lane lifestyle. The fine acting from the capable cast keeps this movie humming: Amy Smart as Wepner's sassy second wife Linda, Joe Pantoliano as tough trainer Al Braverman, Taryn Manning as fed-up long-suffering first wife Phyllis, Nick Leob as loyal and concerned brother Donnie, Jason James Richter as sleazy con man John Olson, Anthony Mango as an amiable Sly Stallone, and Robert Clohessy as shrewd lawyer Anthony Mango. The fight scenes are quite brutal and grueling. Worth a watch.