Fighting Tommy Riley (2005)

Sorry, this movie sucks

Good movie but grossly overrated

If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.

All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

FIGHTING TOMMY RILEY is a movie that tries to bring up an issue but manages to corrupt it and come off stinking in its own hypocrisy. Coming off of having seen such films as Cinderella MAN, ROCKY, and MILLION-DOLLAR BABY, this one was shown on gay network LOGO and I felt the curiosity tugging at me, because (I thought) it would be interesting to see a film that touched gay issues while showcasing a plot in a masculine environment. The plot: nothing out of the ordinary. If anything, it follows Clint Eastwood's movie almost step by step from start to about two thirds, when it suddenly devolves into a complete mess tinted with shades of shrieking maudlin. (Actually, MILLION DOLLAR BABY did have a similar detour into maudlin but we're comparing fine, aged wine and this is poor man's vino.) Because, you see, there is the catch: the trainer (Eddie Jones) is gay, and the cocky fighter with the chiseled looks (J. P. Davis) is prone to gay panic and fake machismo. And in this world, the mix is as harmonious as oil and water. The problem with FIGHTING TOMMY RILEY is that it offers no resolution to the way the relation between Riley and Marty has until then progressed, and the implausibility of Tommy not being aware of a speck of gay interest coming from Marty, especially in the scene where Marty decides to massage Tommy, is ridiculous. Even more implausible is how Marty later comes off as a male (and portly) version of Martha Dobie, but the crowning achievement is how Tommy sheds not a tear at learning of Marty's fate and moves on. Because, as you see, when you become close to another person, that is exactly how you should react to their demise. And that's probably why this dreadful movie is not more known: it's a travesty.

I have seen many indie feature films in my years on the festival circuit. Usually they suffer from that other variation of the indie 'rule of three'--the one that says you'll get two of the following but never all three: high production value, a good story, quality performances. Well this film to my surprise and pleasure does have all three. I was hooked almost from the outset by the look and feel of the film--a tale of gritty survival on the mean streets of the prize-fighting circuit--and the performance of the main character who managed to take the stereotypical boxer against the world and add a measure of depth and emotion that was different from other similar genre constructed characters. The direction was stellar, both in the technical aspects of camera movement and in the subtle emotional cues that sent the story spinning in an unexpected, and refreshing, direction. The writing and acting are very solid, and Eddie O'Flaherty is a director with a very bright future. I had the pleasure to meet him in a directing class, which is how I came to see his film in the first place, and I was taken not only with his natural ability to paint pictures with words and description, but his charming, humble personality. If you stumble across this film in the video store, do yourself a favor, rent it and sit down and watch it. You will be impressed with the production value (I have an idea of the actual budget, but if you told me this cost over 1 million, I wouldn't doubt it for a second), the cinematography and the lush feel of a big budget film. The only reason you don't already know of this film is because of the unfortunate timing of it's release--sandwiched between Cinderella Man and that little film about female boxers starring Clint Eastwood. Sadly, those two films covered much of the ground this film does, though the story contained here is quite original and will take you on a second act turn of events you do not expect. The filmmakers should be very proud of the work done here and I look forward to seeing what is next on the horizon for Mr. O'Flaherty.

This film is a very touching Rocky-like story with a twist that comes up far more often than people think, and it's about time it was finally represented in a film.Tommy is a young boxer with potential who is nurtured by an elderly boxing manager who happens to be gay. Together, they make a great boxing team, and Tommy thrives. In the end, Tommy is offered a million dollars to go with a new management company - and if he takes this offer he must leave behind his old manager, the man who helped to make him into the man he became.The film could have been about anti-Jewish prejudice or anti-black prejudice or anti-Moslem prejudice or any other kind of foolish prejudice. But today the one remaining prejudice that rules the sports world is the foolish prejudice against gay athletes and coaches. Films like this may help people to put a face on this injustice, and see how absurd and counterproductive it is.I won't tell how the film ends, except to say that it is realistic. The performances in "Fighting Tommy Riley" are outstanding. Though probably made with a small budget, this film feels as big and as real as its important subject matter.

No joke, one of the single worst movies I've ever seen. I came on here after I finished watching this rubbish fully expecting to see horrible reviews but somehow people liked this. This movie is unquestionably atrocious, it uses boxing as a front for a 65 year old man (who has a serious problem with sleeping pills and donuts) who has a thing for his prized boxing student Tommy.On a side note, why do all white boxers have to be Irish? Just overly trite and clichéd.We found ourselves praying the whole manlove thing wouldn't happen, but obviously it did. There is a grand total of about 1 minute of in-ring boxing action; I'm not sure if there is a single redeeming quality of this movie. Even if they had flashed the token hot chick girlfriend's boob I wouldn't feel like I wasted the whole hour and a half. I feel like a broken man after this film, I need to go take a shot.Even in attempting to make a commentary about social issues it was a failure. I'm shocked that people enjoy this film, it belongs in the garbage. I hope everyone associated with this "film" comes down with a serious case of bubonic plague.