Posted on 06/06/2005 11:16:07 AM PDT by NutCrackerBoy
It makes for an interesting discussion. I argue the movie did not demonize Baer.
The Baer in the film was a libertine. True (I assume). Two of his opponents had died in the ring, or shortly thereafter. True. Do you think the historical Baer didn't cash in on how that enhanced his intimidation factor? Maybe did some trash talking? (By the way Craig Bierko's scary performance as Baer, the depiction of his physical presence, was great character acting and direction in my opinion).
Another film could be made that portrayed Baer in a better light, but I argue this one didn't cartoonize or demonize him beyond reasonable artistic license.
I'll wait to see it on cable, like every other movie that my kids don't beg me take them to.
I think so, too. He was fabulous.
I agree with your brother. I don't know how anyone could trash it. Honor and courage are to liberals what garlic and daylight are to vampires.
I haven't been to a movie in many years, but I might go see this one.
This past weekend, A&E had a one-hour program (MovieReal) about the film. It featured interviews with Howard, Crowe and Zellwiger, film clips from the movie and contemporary news film from the era.
I grew up in those times and remember listening to the fights on the radio. The A&E show brought back great memories and even though the program gave away just about the whole movie, it looks worth dropping a few bucks on.
Was one of them when Darth Vader yells, "NOOOOOOOOO!!!" cause I actually had to put my hand over my mouth to stop myself from laughing at that point.
Actually, yes.
The "line" has been done so many times it is just a joke.
Doesn't Lucas know that?
Of the many things she told me, the one that comes to mind first is that as bad as it was, they never needed to lock the doors at night. It wasn't until the 1980s that she had to lock the doors at night (they lived in northwest Pennsylvania in a small town). People still held to their values (not stealing, helping each other, charity), not the situational ethics that are so prevalent today. There was a sense of personal and community responsibility.
I really like "little Tonny Howard" He is so down to earth and regular acting-I assume he is a flaming lib but he seems so nice and there are so few Hollywierds to like.
I Meant Ronny not Tonny!
Ping for the Pig Vomit fans. Apparently he's terrific in this.
I won't bother, unless Sandra Oh is in it!
Schmaltzy? Square?
WOW!
My kinda movie! Finally!
Really, it is a shame that virtue and love and honor and (dare I say it) manliness are reviled today.
Maybe 'reviled' is not the right word. They are simply dismissed as impossible.
But I believe... I have seen it.
Perhaps I live in the past, but in some ways it was a better world.
I hope this will be Bierko's breakout screen performance. In spite of being a hunk, he's been in only a few movies and TV shows - forgettable ones. He's also a terrific musical performer, nominated for the Tony for the 2000 revival of "The Music Man." Too bad the days of the Hollywood musical are over - he could be the new Howard Keel!
I thought of "The Simpsons," with McBain screaming "Noooooo!!!!" to the ceiling after Mendoza's thugs shoot his partner. Apparently, Lucas gets his inspiration by stealing cliches so old, they have passed into joke territory. I'm amazed he didn't have someone point out that Senator Amadala was just ONE day away from retirement...
I haven't seen it yet, but I want to. I cried just watching the trailer online.
He didn't, his son became an actor whom you might remember from the Beverly Hillbillies.
That said, he grieved and paid for the school and looked after the kids of one of those boxers.
He didn't talk trash about, he didn't even like hearing about it.
From everything I have read, he was actually a very nice guy who got along with Braddock.
He made his big name by fighting a german fighter while wearing the star of david on his trunks and winning, he was a borderline hero for many.
He didn't talk trash about it, he didn't even like hearing about it.
I believe you. Even the film shows him sincerely not wanting to hurt Mr. Braddock. I agree now the movie made some stuff up about him from whole cloth to focus the character study of Braddock. But every boxer intimides to some extent; who could say he never played on the fear from those deaths?
Me too. Well done, critic Frederica.You did your job. Spouse dragged me to the local Cineplex. Old time boxing student of the game and devotee of old black and white boxing films. Sure, the movies take literary licence. Max Baer (The Livermore Larruper) was said to have been haunted by the death of Frankie Campbell. This was the battle of the "two young California Heavyweight Kings". It was said that his later clowning and apparent flippant behaviour, was to disguise his inner grief.
Actual films show Baer, playing the fool against Braddock. In fact he was a ladies man. Cannot see Max. as a sort of Hulk, myself. Just a lethal puncher. (Played opposite Myrna Loy in a Hollywood film). Well, yer pays yer money and yer takes yer choice.
Still, back to the film. I felt that watching it, made me a slightly better person. Well done anyway. Should be an Oscar or two here. Giametti, playing Joe Gould the manager, deserves plaudits.
It'll get the Oscar for Best Movie. I was sure they didn't make movies like this anymore.
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