Sadly, despite being very well cast, the story writing is disappointing. Even more so, when it is supposed to be based on a true story. Veered too far from the truth in the hope of telling a better story and failed.
Poetic licence would've been justified if it was framed around more of the key milestones in Belcher's life, but it focused too heavily on the excesses his fame brought him and hope of redemption. Using only him becoming champion and then losing sight in his eye as the milestones.
Turned into Rocky when preparing to fight Pearce. Such lazy screen writing. Pearce and Belcher were friends, the focus should've been on this rather than catching fish (ala Rocky catching a chicken)
Russell Crowe provided highlights to the early parts of the film, but given Jack Slack died before Belcher was born, it is a complete fabrication. A better vehicle would've been to use Crowe in flashbacks whilst Belcher's mother reminisced about her father and thus drawing parallels with Jem's own fall from grace.
Poetic licence would've been justified if it was framed around more of the key milestones in Belcher's life, but it focused too heavily on the excesses his fame brought him and hope of redemption. Using only him becoming champion and then losing sight in his eye as the milestones.
Turned into Rocky when preparing to fight Pearce. Such lazy screen writing. Pearce and Belcher were friends, the focus should've been on this rather than catching fish (ala Rocky catching a chicken)
Russell Crowe provided highlights to the early parts of the film, but given Jack Slack died before Belcher was born, it is a complete fabrication. A better vehicle would've been to use Crowe in flashbacks whilst Belcher's mother reminisced about her father and thus drawing parallels with Jem's own fall from grace.