Ad Code

Responsive Advertisement

Ticker

6/recent/ticker-posts

192. Risen


Of all of the stories that have ever been told of sporting adversity that of Welsh boxer Howard Winstone has to be one of the most dramatic.
Winstone had embarked upon a promising amateur career when his right hand became mangled in machinery, taking away the tops of three fingers.
Instead of calling it a day, however, he learned to lead with his fast left jab and went on to eventually become champion of the world.
I know that seems like a spoiler but I find it hard to believe that those watching this limited release won't know   of this incredible boxer's greatest triumph.
Neil Jones's movie not only concentrates on Winstone's key bouts but also on his unravelling home life.
In Stuart Brennan's portrayal Winstone comes across, despite his ferocity in the ring, as unassuming, bordering on the naive.
The film certainly has merit, largely because Winstone's is such a fabulous story but Jones makes the mistake of packing in too much history and so the drama becomes diluted.
Put simply, there are too many scenes and this makes the movie disjointed.
Also, while the lead actors are convincing, the minor roles suffer.
Promoters Mickey Duff and Mike Barrett are pretty laughable but not nearly as wacky as the chap who attempts to give an impression of Harry Carpenter.
And when the glorious moment finally came I felt well short of the emotional wreck that I was after seeing Mark Whalberg as Mickey Ward.
In fact, it would have been fascinating to see Risen in the hands of The Fighter's director David O. Russell.
And that is where Risen falls...it is the second boxing movie of a year when only one was necessary because it was that great.
Nevertheless, I'm happy to give it 6/10 and says thank to Lisa at Associates for the DVD screener.


Post a Comment

0 Comments

Ad Code

Responsive Advertisement