by Erik Sean McGiven on Jun 01, 2015
“The Challenger” opens with Jaden Miller (Kent Moran,
"Listen to Your Heat") doing his early morning run through the gritty
streets of the Bronx. Then cuts to his
job as an auto mechanic where a female customer belittles his capabilities as
mechanic. That night, dejected he
arrives home to find an eviction notice on the door and spends that night
sleeping in one of the cars at the garage where he works. Things are not working out for young 24-year
old Jaden. Until the rent is paid, his
mother Jada (S. Epatha Merkerson, "Law & Order") is staying at
Aunt Regina (Natalie Carter) and putting up with her constant
interruptions. This is a hilarious
scene, much to the delight of the audience.
While getting his work coveralls cleaned, Jaden meets up
with Duane (Michael Clarke Duncan - "The Green Mile") and learns he
was once a legendary boxing trainer.
Later, Duane confesses that one of his fighters threw a match and Duane
had to backed away later opening a Laundromat and a small boxing gym. Jaden learns that one of his fellow workers
at the garage makes money on the side boxing in club fights and pursues this
avenue to get his mother and him back into their apartment. He approaches Duane to train him. Initially, Duane refuses, but on learning
Jaden last name, he consents to work with him.
What is most intriguing about the training regiment is the focus
on specific boxing techniques, things such as the placement of the feet, the
rotation of the hips, and how a punch is uncoiled for maximum power. While fascinating, this focus on preparation
for a fight leads the audience away from the inner struggles and conflicts
Jaden faces. Namely, his finding a way
to support his mom, finding a way to regain her respect after being kicked out
of a private school for fighting. There
is also the fear of failure and not being good enough. While these are presented in dialogue, the
emotional consequences is left hanging and not fully developed. Jaden's stoic expressions do not give us those
vulnerable moments that build a deep emotional attachment to his dilemma. We care about the outcome, but not so much
about the person.
The fight scenes are spectacular and if the Mayweather-Pacquiao
match had been this good, people would be demanding a rematch. The championship match, in particular, was
brilliantly crafted and choreographed.
There is suspense, compelling character arcs and riveting reversals leading
to an edge of your seat excitement. The initial rounds were almost full length
and the succeeding rounds compressed into highlights of damaging blows. This segment of the film was shot in four
hours, the time allotted by arena officials.
Thus the exhaustion and fatigue exhibited are likely real.
There are some amazing twists in this story, which makes it
both poignant and appealing. These are
nicely set up and foreshadowed without being overly obvious. The acting is first rate across the board
including supporting players. The
performance of Michael Clarke Duncan in particular was rock solid and gave
energy and direction to this crucial role.
He had a back-story to tell and he delivered it with great sensitivity
and empathy. This was Michael's last
role, as he died at the age of 54 never seeing his final work.
The relationship between mother and son required a delicate
balance of protective love versus determined purpose. S. Epatha Merkerson and Kent Moran
beautifully deliver on this aspect with each expressing their opposing
views. What's more, Kent Moran is to be
commended for taking on such a physically demanding role while serving as both
director and lead actor. Kent trained
six months at Manny Pacquiao's gym in Venice,
California preparing for his
role.
Another actor who made this a worthy movie is Justin
Hartley, Jaden's opponent in the championship fight. His over confidence and inflated ego nicely
set up the challenge in dramatic terms and polarizes our allegiances. The fact that he fights dirty adds to the dangers
Jaden faces.
Production values portray the Bronx
location as a gritty underdog and it's Jaden's dedication that gives its
downtrodden residents hope. Camera work
by Giacomo Belletti keeps us in the mix, moving skillfully to provide both
questions and answers to what's going to happen next. Composer Pinar Toprak's score neatly provides
the dramatic energy that leads us through this emotional journey. The editing by Anthony Muzzatti and Kent
Moran nicely articulates the struggles, the climb out of poverty to provide for
his mother.
This film goes the distance and shows that if we fight for
who we are, we can become winners. Film reviewed at the Dances with Film
Festival, Hollywood.
CREDITS: "The Challenger" stars Kent
Moran, Michael Clarke Duncan, S. Epatha Merkerson, Justin Hartly, Frank Watson,
Stan Carp, and Ernie Sabella. Production Design by Kay Lee & Rebecca Slick;
Art Direction by Amy E. Bishop; Costume Design by William Eng; Makeup by Guy
Guido; Casting by Tiandra Gayle; Music by Pinar Toprak; Edited by Kent Moran
& Anthony Muzzatti; Cinematography by Giacomo Belletti; Second Unit
Director John-Michael Damato; Executive Producer Michael Clarke Duncan; Produce
by Ellyette Eleni, Adam Hawkey, & Kent Moran; Written and Directed by Kent
Moran; Production Company - Wishing Well Pictures, Inc.; HD, Unrated, 95
Minutes.
|