Resurrecting the Champ (PG-13) Grade: B

I went into "Resurrecting the Champ" with unnaturally low expectations and very skeptical questions. Samuel L. Jackson released another film? How many times will the underdog story be beaten like a dead horse? And just how long will I have to sit in that cold theater? To say the least, I expected drivel.\nWhat viewers get is quite the opposite. "Resurrecting the Champ" is a heartfelt piece that gives wonderful insight into the world of boxing, journalism and fatherhood.\nErik (Josh Hartnett) is a sportswriter looking to make a mark and tired of having his stories get buried on the back page. But when he meets Champ (Jackson), a former heavyweight-title contender now living on the street, he formulates an idea that will shoot him straight to the top. More than that however, in telling Champ's story, Erik learns much about himself, his family and the pains of being a father.\nBased on the real-world article "Resurrecting the Champ" written by J.R. Moehringer and published in a 1997 edition of the L.A. Times, the story was definitely worth turning into a film. And while any good journalist would be able to tell the ending as a result of extensive fact-checking training, fans will love the twists and sorrowful plot. \nSome film-goers are down on Jackson's work of late, looking for a new face and fresh skills. It would be easy to write this off as another in a long-run of shoddy roles, but that would be a mistake. Jackson quite simply makes the film. In one of his best roles, he plays Champ, a homeless old man, in a way that will make viewers feel the same tragic agony he faces.\nThe only letdown of the film was the occasional cliche that comes with every sports film. Down-and-out underdogs, the thirst for victory and other common themes run throughout. However, that is to be expected considering that "Resurrecting the Champ" had to fulfill at least some viewer expectations.\nThis film will blow movie lovers away. Tears will well up in the eyes of anyone with the least bit of sentimentality. And, as every good boxing movie must have, there are a few very good punches -- you just might not know where they are coming from.