Fighting Tommy Riley (2004)

3 1/2 Stars

I give Fighting Tommey Riley 3 1/2 stars. The movie didn't seem like a typical sports movie and I liked the interaction with the trainer and Tommy. I found the some parts of the movie to be cliche. The relationship between Tommy and his girlfriend was the typical struggling relationship thrown into many movies. He sees her with another guy, then they resolve that situation. At the end, their relationship seems stronger. I found the trainer's sexual attraction to Tommy a bit creepy, especially when they go away to a cabin to train. These characters, however, both needed to deal with their own issues and resolve them. I didn't find Marty's death as dramatic as people might think. It seemed likely that his demons, especially dealing with homosexuality, would eventually break him down. Overall, I found this movie okay. It wasn't great, but it wasn't bad. It definitely had more going for it than its on the surface boxing story. I did find J.P. Davis' character Tommy convincing and likeable. Though his acting seemed awkward at times, I think overall J.P. did a good job. I want to see J.P. Davis in more movies, whether it's for his acting or his writing. March 25, 2008

Must see

JP Davis has crafted a story that is rare and engaging. This movie is a must see for anyone who likes stories that are rich with emotion and deeply portray real-life relationships. July 26, 2007

Don't Pass This Up

The film is truly a marvel. This inspired yet unpretentious screenplay tells the story of an amateur boxer and his trainer. This character-driven drama is wonderfully developed, and the main characters themselves, though complex personalities, emote in such raw, sincere manners. April 20, 2007

Unique and poignant

I picked up this DVD thinking it would be a straightforward story of an aspiring boxer and the trainer who helps him become great. Make no mistake, this is no "Rocky" clone. Though I suppose it could be mildly disturbing to those with a not-so-open mind, I found it to be a poignant and passionate tale.

Tommy and his trainer, Marty both have painful pasts. Both could be considered rebels for very different reasons. I found both actors, J.P. Davis and Eddie Jones to be up for the task of these emotionally charged roles.

Marty, alone and distraught, pushes Tommy to strive for greatness and in the process stirs up demons from his own past. Though this film seems to remain relatively unknown in the U.S., I believe it won top honors in the Canadian film festival and for good reason.

I found this to be quite a unique story, one which touched me very deeply as I came to feel compassion for both men. It's definitely worth your time. March 28, 2007

Just Too Tragic

This is not a review, as many have said all that there needs to be said.

I'll just say that I would have liked this movie more if it wasn't so tragic at the end. Tragedy has its place, but I found this overly depressing. Riley's and Marty's friendship didn't have to end irretrievably the way it did. Amends could have been made. I know because I am living it! March 26, 2007

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