The Featherweight Review | An Artistic Boxing Drama About Willie Pep

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The Featherweight Review | An Artistic Boxing Drama About Willie Pep

As a film enthusiast who has spent countless hours immersed in the rich tapestry of boxing dramas and biopics, I must say that “The Featherweight” stands out as a refreshing addition to this genre. The pseudo-documentary style and grainy 16MM stock transport us back to the era of Hartford, Connecticut, in 1964, creating an immersive, slice-of-life perspective that keeps the audience engaged despite the predictable narrative.

“The Featherweight” delves into the life of retired boxer Willie Pep, who is struggling with both family troubles and financial woes while attempting to make a comeback in 1964 Hartford, Connecticut. Filmed in a pseudo-documentary style known as cinema verité on gritty 16MM film stock, the characters frequently address the camera as the narrative unfolds. Director Robert Kolodny truly shines with his debut feature, skillfully reenacting Pep’s fights by seamlessly blending classic newsreel footage and staged responses. The film’s realistic portrayal of daily life and compelling ensemble cast keep you hooked even as a conventional storyline becomes less engaging.

James Madio, famously known as “Don’t Ask” in Steven Spielberg’s movie Hook , now plays the chatty and bold character Pep. As a boxer, Pep won 229 fights, held the featherweight championship twice, and is often recognized as one of the greatest boxers ever. The story unfolds around Willie, a 42-year-old man who shares his glorious past with patrons at an Italian restaurant. He puts on quite a show for the camera, basking in the adoration of everyone around him like a star.

That evening, Willie and his younger third spouse, Linda (Ruby Wolf), prepare for a gala honoring boxing legends in New York City. Willie shares the stage with Sandy Saddler (Lawrence Gilliard Jr.), a former rival turned friend in boxing who now struggles cognitively due to years of being pummeled. Willie’s humor falls flat, and Rocky Marciano, a legendary figure, labels him foolish for attempting a return to the ring. Marciano warns that Sandy serves as a cautionary tale if Willie isn’t careful. However, Willie’s spirits take a downturn when he is compelled to cover the substantial dinner bill after Marciano departs.

A Good Supporting Cast Imitates Goodfellas

The movie team visits the Pep residence in Hartford once more, revealing underlying issues within the family. Billy Jr., Willie’s eldest son struggling with drug addiction, suddenly appears and has a confrontation with Linda. This agitates matters further when Willie’s mother, who only communicates in Italian, adds to Linda’s frustration. In a state of distress, Willie demonstrates his most cherished item – his boxing gloves from his initial championship fight, the sole memorabilia he hasn’t had to sell for urgent finances.

In this movie, Steve Loff, both producer and screenwriter, brings an air of seriousness beyond the typical family soap opera with strong, seasoned performances from the supporting cast members. Stephen Lang takes on the role of Bill Gore, Willie’s coach and owner of the Hartford Boxing Club. Alongside Ron Livingston, who portrays Bob Kaplan, Willie’s manager, they serve as a reminder of harsh realities for Willie’s unrealistic ambitions of past glory. They genuinely care for Willie and don’t sugarcoat the truth. Bob advises Willie to find a job like everyone else, while Bill bluntly points out that the great fighter from Willie’s past is long gone.

The movie “Featherweight” can be seen as imitating the style of Martin Scorsese, particularly in its portrayal of boxing matches and certain characters that seem reminiscent of those in “Raging Bull” and “Goodfellas”. However, it’s important to note that imitation is often a form of flattery. This reviewer doesn’t find any issues with this, but the similarities between the female characters and their roles in Scorsese’s films are quite apparent. The actresses in “Featherweight” deliver strong performances, but it’s hard not to notice the resemblance to earlier works. They aren’t necessarily emulating or playing stereotypes; they’re just very reminiscent of characters from those classic films.

Robert Kolodny Is a Filmmaker to Watch

In The Featherweight, your eyes are instantly drawn due to Kolodny’s inventive camerawork, which includes handheld shots, long tracking movements, and rapid side-to-side panning. At first, these quick, jolting motions can be disconcerting, but they soon grow on you as the viewer, becoming part of Kolodny’s distinctive cinematic rhythm. The camera angles are also varied, ensuring there’s no single fixed point of focus. This unconventional visual approach is a testament to Kolodny’s skill and vision. He masterfully orchestrates every aspect of the film, making The Featherweight visually stunning. It could potentially be a strong contender for cinematography (Adam Kolodny) and editing (Robert Greene, an accomplished director in his own right) awards.

In a fresh take on familiar territory, Kolodny skillfully reimagines the well-trodden tale. The predictable elements of a champion boxer’s struggle with financial loss, family strife, and a quest for renewed glory are all present, but Kolodny manages to make the narrative feel new and engaging by wrapping it in an attractive, contemporary wrapper.

In a brief 1 hour and 40 minutes, The Featherweight feels extended due to its predictable plotline in the third act. However, director Kolodny manages the pacing effectively, striking a balance that avoids both being overly brisk and adding unnecessary content. The film is a testament to Kolodny’s abilities as a director, leaving us intrigued about his future projects and their visual impact.

The movie titled “The Featherweight” has been jointly produced by Appian Way, Pep Films, Golden Ratio Films, and Blisspoint Entertainment. It is set to have a limited theatrical release initially, with nationwide distribution scheduled for September 27th, which will be handled by Cinetic Media and mTuckman Media.

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2024-09-27 00:02