Fighting Tommy Riley
Release Date:
May 6, 2005
Limited release
This debut film from director Eddie O'Flaherty centers on ex-boxer Marty Goldberg, a man who is lonely and finding his health failing. In an attempt to return to the ring as a trainer, his steps lead him to the raw young talent Tommy Riley. Though the young man has the abilities necessary to dominate in the ring, his personal issues are a problem. Not only is Tommy on the verge of losing the woman he loves, but his self-destructive behavior has worn him down.
As time passes, though, Marty and Tommy form both personal and professional bonds as the trainer helps the fighter to take his own ability seriously. At the same time, Tommy is able to make Marty feel both re-connected to the sport he loves and to see some value in his own life. Marty soon comes to be a father figure to the young man.
All of these successes may go up in smoke, however, as a painful secret from Tommy's threatens to impede on the good progress they have made. The movie promises to be an inspirational examination of two men who need each other to survive. Following in the footsteps of the Academy Award-winning Million Dollar Baby, a number of people are bound to see the film as a knock-off; however, given the fact that the film is to be released on a smaller scale, it may find some lower-profile success. (Kim Hollis/BOP)
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