Traditionally, style labels gave a broad sense of what sort of expertise you is likely to be in for, whether or not horror, comedy or motion. Within the streaming period, issues are far more particular, with platforms equivalent to Netflix providing ever extra area of interest microgenres: “Cynical Comedies That includes a Robust Feminine Lead” for instance, or “Traditional Feelgood Opposites-Entice Motion pictures”. Bobcat Moretti feels tailored for this sort of categorisation. Right here now we have an “Inspirational Private Transformation Following Tragic Life Occasion Sports activities Film”, through which a person with a number of sclerosis takes up boxing as a part of an effort to show his life round after a horrific household tragedy.
The fervour and dedication of the film-makers are evident. Starring because the eponymous Bobcat, Tim Realbuto additionally co-wrote the script (with director Rob Margolies) and misplaced 70kg (11st) in the course of the course of creating the movie. Loads of work has evidently additionally gone into securing the remainder of the forged, with Vivica A Fox (Independence Day, Kill Invoice) representing the largest coup for an indie manufacturing of this nature and funds. They’ve additionally bagged a really temporary cameo from the late Coolio, although his display time is minimal.
As is sadly typically the case, laborious work and fervour don’t at all times translate into works of genius. The movie is uneven, with some moments that work completely nicely (shout out to actor-slash-stuntman Jay Hieron, who provides a credibly nasty efficiency as an abusive boyfriend) sitting alongside scenes that borrow so extensively from boxing film cliches that they nearly really feel like parody, nevertheless heartfelt the intention. Strains equivalent to “All proper child, I’m gonna take an opportunity on you”, recommend both a deliberate try and create a type of final underdog boxing film tribute collaged collectively from earlier movies, or just a scarcity of familiarity with the style. It’s as if the movie doesn’t fairly belief its unique moments to face alone, and as a substitute feels the necessity to signpost all the pieces.
