The Challenger (2015)

The film had potential overall, despite its flaws in lead character transformation. We needed to feel more engaged in the process as the story line developed. The Challenger may have missed the mark in accurately portraying the sport of boxing, but a story of 'the underdog overcoming the odds' never grows old. Novice writer/director, Kent Moran, may have a bright future ahead of him if he continues to hone his craft by taking more risks and researching subject matter with greater detail. As an actor, I would like to see more layers of emotion and facial expression invested in a lead character role as this one. Body language is a very powerful thing. It should reach out with more intensity, willing to reveal its vulnerable side. That is how an audience connects to integral characters and relates to the underlying story. You have to experience a certain amount of empathy it intends to project as the film progresses.I did enjoy the film's merit and prose, and in particular the presence of Michael Clarke Duncan in his final supporting role as an actor. He did add substance and warmth to this project. The personal tribute and clip of him supporting The Challenger, including its modest crew, spoke volumes about his character and dedication to the small budget film industry. R.I.P. Michael C. Duncan. Never to be forgotten. ~D~

I and a friend watched this movie on a late Friday night in Madrid, Spain. I must say that usually boxing movies bore me to death but my flat mate likes action movies so we settled for this on the internet, and yes surprisingly I found this movie well paced and convincing and very well scripted and acted. That the lead actor also wrote and directed the movie is very commendable. It was a job very well done. The performances of Duncan and Merkerson were exceptional. So, in all, we two men in Madrid on a late Friday night really enjoyed this boxing movie set in the Bronx as we felt it was made with feeling and sensitivity. It will definitely keep my eyes open for Kent Morgans future works.

This movie has many more good things than not so good things which I'll mention in a bit but first I can't help but say RIP Mr. Duncan. You were a fantastic actor and will be missed. The challenger was a well written story that could be very motivational if watched with an opened mind. Kent Morgan I am sure will be seen again and hopefully with a little more energy. Now the not so good. The fighting choreography was totally unrealistic but I gave it a pass based on the movie kept my attention the entire time. If only it got more of a budget than there is no doubt in my mind that The challenger would of been huge

First and foremost, I am not a critic nor pretend to be one; but I was simply moved with the viewing of The Challenger today. This small independent film exceeded my expectations. What really impressed me the most about Kent Moran's directorial debut feature film was his approach to subject matter, casting and how he utilized the limited resources for the telling of the story. It breathed with an air of sincerity, which is rarely seen these days. Yes, it was rather predicable at times and melodramatic - but that's what movies are made of. Hollywood has been dazzling and manipulating our senses for God knows how long. Remember ROCKY ? However, The Challenger is unusually different among it's former colleagues.What really sets this movie apart for me; was the fact that it was very innovative in style and not so conventional as others. For instance, take the sequence of the final bout. It was not your typical in your face adrenaline shots, most commonly used. It was choreographed in a dream-like state of fragmented movement. And furthermore, the choice of music during the fight scene was impeccably complimentary. Also, let's consider the interesting angular character development which was achieved in the film's short running time.As far as Kent, Cast and Crew goes - I commend them all for their splendid work. My only regret is that Michael Clarke Duncan did not see this theatrical release. His performance along with S. Epatha Merkerson were the heart and soul of this marvelous story.Oh, by the way - Who the hell was that 2nd Unit Director?Somebody Give That Man A Job!