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Everyone's a critic: 'The Champ'

Friday, August 31, 2007
Three stars (out of four)

Erik Kearn (Josh Harnett), a young father and journalist, wonders why his wife has kicked him out, why his editor finds his writing boring and why he keeps lying to his son about his friendships with sports celebrities. "Resurrecting the Champ" is a story about boxing, fathers and sons and journalism ethics.

Samuel Jackson saves this movie from blandness as "The Champ," a homeless man who shadowboxes through life. After saving him from punks, Erik hears the story of a famous pugilist long thought dead. Erik decides to make the Champ's story his own "title shot," and gain fame and respect in the bargain. Rushing to make his story front-page, Erik takes research shortcuts and discovers too late that the Champ has ruined Erik's chance at fame. Harnett, an unformed actor, pales against the consummate skill of Samuel Jackson, whose versatility enables him to become a man who lives on the street.

"Resurrecting the Champ" is a good movie that packs a punch.

-- Reno Anderson