Up-and-coming sports reporter rescues a homeless man named "Champ" (
Samuel L. Jackson) only to discover that he is, in fact, a boxing legend believed to have passed away. What begins as an opportunity to resurrect Champ's story and escape the shadow of his father's success becomes a personal journey as the ambitious reporter named Erik (
Josh Hartnett) reexamines his own life and his relationship with his family.
Tropes
- Abusive Parents 'Champ's father Used to hit him so hard that he gave him a big scar on his back.
- Badass Boast: Tommy Kincaid, professional boxer.
- Badass Bookworm: Champ could already see which boxer would win the fight, just by looking at their eyes.
- Badass Pacifist: Champ tries as much as possible not to fight, but don't push him over the edge.
- Beware the Nice Ones: The 'Champ' is generally a very friendly hobo who wishes no harm to anyone, but don't push him too far.
- Jerkass: The guys who beat up Champ for fun. In other words, Sadists.
- Nice Guy: Tommy 'Champ' Kincaid. A fairly likeable guy who always puts on a cheerful attitude. Erik proves to be a very nice guy too later on.
- Retired Badass: Tommy 'Champ' Kincaid is a former Boxing Trainer, though he tries to live peacefully. He can still kick some ass if he gets pushed too far, though.
- Took a Level in Kindness: Erik becomes less selfish and more honest in the end of the movie.
