Review of Fighting Tommy Riley (2005) by Private U — 17 Jun 2007

This independent film is an incredible find. It has it all, fine acting, an interesting premise and good direction. My only minor complaint would be some of the dialogue comes off as a little stilted. But that is nit-picking at a superb effort that will become better known as the definitive "boxing movie" over time.

Tommy is a handsome, young boxer with rich potential. He almost made it to the Olympics several years before but threw the fight in the trials by feigning an injury to get out from under his very abusive step-father/ manager. He is discovered by Marty Goldberg, a corpulent, aging, Melville-quoting school teacher who dabbles as a boxing trainer. Marty was a fine boxer himself in his youth, both in the Marines and afterwards. Marty and his female business partner take Tommy under their wing and begin to groom him for greatness. He forms an especially close emotional bond with Tommy, perhaps hoping to redeem the chance for glory that he himself lost so long ago. Tommy adores Marty as a much needed father figure, confidant and friend. We have seen all this before in Rocky and other films-just substitute the actors and the grimy inner city gyms. But, there is a twist here. Marty is a life-long bachelor and Tommy is gorgeous. See where this is going? Although Tommy is straight and has a beautiful girlfriend and Marty is not at all serious about putting a move on him, the issue comes up awkwardly in a rub down session. Both are emotionally traumatized by the very brief incident but, don't want it to interfere with their otherwise very deep bond. Tommy subsequently wins his big boxing match he has been training for and gets the million dollar offer of his dreams from a big promoter. But there is a catch, he must leave Marty behind and use the promoter's training staff. Tommy refuses to do it despite Marty's advice that he must take the offer for the good of his career. Marty then sets about methodically to drive Tommy away through some very calculated moves (tough love of a sort for Tommy's own good). But, Tommy is devastated although he sees what Marty's purpose is. Tommy needs Marty and his avuncular mentoring and support more than Marty needs him. In the movie's climactic scene, Tommy shockingly grovels for Marty to take him back under any terms! The acting here is just brilliant. Both Eddie Jones and J.D. Davis turn in stellar performances. Marty is disgusted with himself and what he has wrought unintentionally with Tommy. He dissolves into depression, self-blame and remorse.

For pathos, drama and sheer entertainment, you cannot do better than this little psychological piece. It is more about friendship, loyalty, trust and love than boxing. Everyone's worst battles are in their own mind and it sometimes takes a special, understanding friend to help you slay those inner demons we all have.