Although it’s debatable whether we need another boxing movie, or whether there is anything new that can be added to an overcrowded genre, this serviceable true-life comeback story has a couple of things in its favour. Following Whiplash, Miles Teller continues his run of physically committed, brutally demanding performances. He is just as effective here in conveying the mindset of a man who pushes his body to the brink. The blue-collar Rhode Island milieu is nicely realised – Younger has fun with the jostling male egos by cramming boxing professionals into a child’s bedroom for a crucial meeting. And the dynamic between Teller’s character, Vinnie Paz, and his father (Ciarán Hinds) and trainer (Aaron Eckhart), a de facto father figure, offers up some meaty drama. Still, ultimately it feels a little like Seabiscuit with gloves instead of hooves.
