See it at the Movies

BLEED FOR THIS

By Joyce and Don Fowler
Posted 11/25/16

* * * *

(Our very own

Vinny Paz)

If we were not Rhode Islanders, we would probably give this “based on a true story” a ***.

But we know it’s true. We all know Vinny Paz. At least …

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See it at the Movies

BLEED FOR THIS

Posted

* * * *

(Our very own

Vinny Paz)

If we were not Rhode Islanders, we would probably give this “based on a true story” a ***.

But we know it’s true. We all know Vinny Paz. At least everyone in Cranston does. My daughter went to Cranston East with him. Every one either knows him or one of his friends or relatives. He is Mr. Cranston, Rhode Island.

Just think, our current crop of teenagers weren’t even born when Paz was at his peak. The fact that the movie was made “entirely in Rhode Island, with shots of The Dunk, Kent Hospital, local restaurants, neighborhoods and even strip joints adds credibility for us.

Many of us remember Ken Bell and Frank Carpano giving the sports news. We watched channels 6 and 10 broadcast his accident. (Where was Channel 12 in the movie?)

So, it is required that we all see the movie and brag about it.

The good news is that although it is yet another boxing movie, it is well made. The boxing scenes are realistic and the acting is first rate.

While Miles Teller grabs much of the publicity for playing the Pazmanian Devil, Aaron Eckhart should not be overlooked as a possible Supporting Actor nominee for his role as trainer Kevin Rooney.

The scenes in the Pazienza kitchen and dining room are priceless and look like many Italian homes that we have been in, right down to the religious icons.

For those outside Rhode Island who may not have heard Paz’s comeback story, surviving a car crash and returning to the ring for his greatest victory, the story should be truly inspirational and set it apart from the many other boxing comeback movies. Whether you are a boxing fan or not, you have to see this one, and then you’re excused from seeing any future ones.

Rated R because of the profanity and brief nudity.

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