It’s Rocky joins the Head Injury Club for Men in this half sports/half disease-of-the-week biopic of world “champeen” pugilist Vinny Pazienza. After a head-on collision finds “Paz’s” sawbones fitting him for a Halo vest, his spirit and determination… Must I go on? The trailer offered a Viewer’s Digest condensed version, but the characters are so rich and the acting so absolute, the finished product proved impossible to resist. There’s a lot more to Miles Teller’s performance than wadding a pair of leopard print Speedos, a moment that didn’t go unnoticed in the trailer and one that will no doubt act as a prime selling tool. And his unassuming work in Sully combined with this blustery turn as Paz’s alcoholic trainer should guarantee Aaron Eckhart at least one best supporting actor nom. Generally one to round down a two-and-a-half star review, the “Executive Producer: Martin Scorsese” credit led me in the other direction. Ben Younger (Boiler Room) directs. (2016) — Scott Marks
This movie is not currently in theaters.