Carman: The Champion

WOW! Where did this movie come from? Being a fan of Carman's, and I only just recently heard about this film. I saw it today, not expecting much, and all I can say is WOW!!! I really didn't know what to expect, maybe a cute little movie that Carman wrote and made, and a nice message about the Lord, with LOT'S of singing by Carman. Boy, was I wrong! This movie packs quite a PUNCH! I was ACTUALLY entertained, and found myself getting into this story, and caring about the charactors. The audience I was with, actually applauded during the movie during the climax and cheered during the grand finish. The quality and acting was MUCH better than expected, the action was cool, and the story kept pumping and throwing those curves that kept us involved in the story. This movie has a little bit of everything to please everybody. There is NOT alot of boxing, so the girls can feel safe about coming. Yet, there is enough fighting and action to keep the guys into their seats, and not go out for popcorn. This is a movie that the world can come and see, be introduced to a Christian lifestyle, and walk out feeling good and not like the gospel was shoved down their throats. This is NOT a preaching film, (come on, we see Carman beating people up, and smootching with the main lady) but do get to see what drives him spiritually. This movie is purely entertainment, and was I ever entertained! Thanks Carman and crew, for giving us another great film for this weekend!

It was a good story, "we all connect with a fighter in a ring." A little cheesy and a few holes, but it was something to sit and watch that didn't feel like a complete waste of time. Sloppy editing and some poor directing choices burned it including a disapearing puppy and a one date marrage proposal. Some good action in the ring with hard felt punches. You'll never guess who wins the final fight (sarcasm)and you'll never be able to guess why the bitter rivals are hugging eachother after one knocks the other out (no seriously, why would they do that?) The book is better and makes more sense, somebody thought they'd give it a happy ending and that make it better but it just made it too cliche. Rent for the kids don't buy. Buy the book and read it.

Thank you, Carman and TBN, for making this wonderful movie. It was so good to be able to take my students to a movie and not have to worry about profanity, perverse/illicit sex, gratuitous violence,or glorification of hatred. Instead, we saw a family with problems that we have--division, the loss of a father, trying to hold on to dreams despite difficulties and the need for financial resources.

The setting is realistic. It is an inner-city area plagued with dope dealers who use children to make money, but inhabited by good people of all races trying to make a better life for their children and neighbors.

The acting is excellent. I have never seen the actress who plays Caesar's mother, but she is beautiful and utterly believable as a single mother working as a waitress struggling to raise her son. The champion boxer is really a boxer, not an actor, and he adds a great deal to the movie.

We loved the scenes in the center, with people of all races worshipping, working and eating together; the African American police officer who works with Carman; the second chance given to a parolee who wants to help young people avoid the mistakes he made; Carman's efforts to help a young boy who is going the wrong way.

But the movie is not a phony "sweetness and light" story. There is violence, but it is a natural part of the story. There is action: the fight scenes are very well-done.

The plot is involving and suspenseful. You will not be able to tell what is going to happen next.

The music adds to the movie. It ranges from traditional hymns to contemporary youth-oriented tunes such as "The Best-Kept Secret."

I recommend that everyone of all ages see this movie. Not only will you enjoy it, but your support will help ensure that Hollywood gets the message: THERE IS A LARGE AUDIENCE FOR CLEAN, FAMILY-ORIENTED MOVIES.

Rarely is a movie made like, "The Champion" and for this we can be eternally grateful. Carman left the music stage for a movie that can only be described as embarrassing. I love Carman's style of music (he's one of my favorite artists), but he doesn't belong in a full-length movie.

The Christian Film industry has produced B-end times flicks like "Judgment", "Tribulation", and "Revelation" which look like classics compared to this movie. As others have mentioned, Carman ripped off quite a bit from Rocky (surprised he didn't take the red, white, and blue shorts from the last few films). It also includes an implausible love story and just for kicks, the gratuitous blowing up a truck.

As noted, the movie has some big problems in terms of morals. While Christians struggle to teach their kids to behave in a morally responsible manner and avoid sexual immorality, Carman makes out in the front seat of his car with a woman he just met while her son sleeps in the back.

While Christians combat the destructive force of organized gambling and the lottery, Carman's character gets the youth center of his dreams because his brother bet a few million on the fight Carman won.

Finally, there was the Commercial with the "Whoop@--" soda which was of poor moral taste.

The film's redeeming values are found in the fact that it spurred Carman's second "Best of" collection including a new single "Heart of a Champion" which would have fit so well with the film.

I saw Carman the Champion. I really really enjoyed this movie. Hollywood take notes. We don't want to see people showing all of their body parts. We want to see good movies with good values. I am a single parent. I took my son to see this movie because I knew that we would not have to walk out of the movie half way in to it. The character that Carman played is the kind of man that I would want to be a role model for my son. This is the kind of man who I want to marry. Keep up the good work TBN and Carman.