Carman: The Champion

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 would give this movie 4 out of 5 stars, it's unbelievably good. for whatever reason this movie was not available for preview for critics, and so far I haven't seen any ratings for this movie anywhere.

It's a great movie full of drama, romance and comedy, and with a believable story the movie while having a clear Christian message does not get "preachy" but dispenses with the message while entertaining you and at times keeping you on the edge of your seats, Definitely worth the price of admission at the Theaters, and not a movie you will be embarrassed taking your family

Maybe Hollywood will get the message that we would like great "Family Films" like this one

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!

The Champion is a great date movie, even 1st date. The fight for former champion Orlando Leone, Jr, opens up so many great conversation topics for you and your possible new love. Example: the fight to remain true to your identity, the desire to find love after being burned and abandoned, the struggle to believe love is possible (and whats it gonna cost and can I afford her), the struggle to define your identity vs. your fathers dreams...I know it's a "guy movie" by all the adrenaline rush of the fight scenes; any guy will love this, and as for the ladies, they'll admire how the leading lady's criteria for love goes beyond the usual commercial movies' stereotypical EASY LOUISY. The competitive, complicated relationship of the brothers, their beautiful reunion, and the human struggle to find happiness after the world lands you in the humbling role of "has-been" are two other topics movie brings up, great 2 define what'

First of all, this movie will draw comparisons to Rocky right off the bat. You might even see some familiar camera angles, poses, and scenes. What you will not see is great acting from a great script. But the boxing scenes are surprisingly well done and quite believable. Real punches don't sound like a sledgehammer smashing a tree stump as Conan O'Brien said of Rocky. They sound more like smacks, the harder ones like thuds. The fights are intense and the blood and sweat flows freely. And lo and behold, the fighters actually block some blows. They got that much right.

Christian movies have long held the dubious distinction of being preachy. Not only that, squeezing the "good news" in is often like throwing an iron bar into the gears of Big Ben: it grinds story progress to a halt. But the movie doesn't Bible-bash or get too wishy-washy at any point.

Carman, who also wrote the script, has some cheesy one-liners and clunky dialogue, but has good screen presence and is helped out by a decent supporting cast. The cinematography looks flashy with some nice earthy filters for the outdoor shots.

On the whole, this is one of the better Christian films to date. It's worth a look. 6/10.