This is a real winner! A feel-good story with just the right amount of faith and heart! Carman successfully crosses over from the Christian singing world of music videos to deliver a handsome Rocky-type-hero whose real strength is his heart. Carman proves he can be a champion in the ring, but it’s his struggle to protect Cesar from dangerous drug-runners and his romantic relationship with Allia that stretches his acting ability outside the ring. The fact that Williams is a professional fighter in real life made the boxing scenes between him and Carman believable and realistic. Director Lee Stanley gives us everything; a little romance, a little gang action along with a deadly car chase, excellent fight sequences, a hero who’s real, and a lovable kid. This movie has touching moments, a great soundtrack, and excellent fight scenes, and if parents want to take older kids to see this modern-day-hero, it may make for some great discussion afterwards.
The reason this family-friendly film got a PG-13 rating is the violence. Two gang members force a car chase with Orlando and Cesar, resulting in gunfire and a fiery explosion. There are also a few bloody fight scenes but nothing as messy or grueling as the Rocky movies. Due to the violence and mature themes, the Dove Seal is awarded to this film, but the suggested audience is ages 12 and older. With parental guidance regarding the film’s themes, the fatherly relationship that develops between preacher/fighter and cute street kid, along with the feel-good ending, will entertain young and old alike and give all ages something to cheer about.
