Mr. Movie review: Did director understand subject in ‘Bleed for This?’
Vinny Pazienza won several world boxing titles during the late 1980s and ’90s. His career was almost derailed when he broke his neck in an auto accident in 1991. This is what makes Pazienza’s story worth telling. Against all odds, he came back, gained a third title and boxed another decade.
Miles Teller (War Dogs) is good as Pazienza and has a stellar supporting cast that includes Aaron Eckhart, Katey Sagal and Ciaran Hinds.
All are wasted by writer/director Ben Younger (Prime). The real-life Pazienza is impossible not to like, and his personality gives Younger a shot at making a Rocky-like feel-good movie. It’s obvious from the beginning that Younger doesn’t understand boxing or his subject.
Adding to the film’s tedium are what may be the worst boxing sequences ever done in a boxing movie.
Bleed for This
Director: Ben Younger
Stars: Miles Teller, Aaron Eckhart, Katey Sagal, Ciaran Hinds
Mr. Movie rating: 2 stars
2 stars
5 stars to 4 1/2 stars: Must see on the big screen.
4 stars to 3 1/2 stars: Good film, see it if it’s your type of movie.
3 stars to 2 1/2 stars: Wait until it comes out on DVD.
2 stars to 1 star: Don’t bother.
0 stars: Speaks for itself.
This story was originally published November 17, 2016 at 3:30 PM with the headline "Mr. Movie review: Did director understand subject in ‘Bleed for This?’."