Director hopes 'Resurrecting the Champ' inspires truthful living

Published: 2007-08-17

PHOENIX (CNS) -- One of the first lessons children learn is not to tell lies. It is also one of the easiest lessons to forget. The benefit of living a life of truth comes into sharp focus in "Resurrecting the Champ," a film opening nationwide Aug. 24 that recounts the story of a journalist struggling to reconstruct the life of a boxer. "I think we could have equally titled the film 'Redeeming the Champ,'" said Rob Lurie, who wrote the script and directed the film, adding that he believes it is never too late in life to receive redemption. If more people realized the continuing opportunity for redemption, "the world would become a better place," he said in an interview with The Catholic Sun, newspaper of the Phoenix Diocese. Based on actual events, "Resurrecting the Champ" stars Josh Hartnett as Erik, a sports journalist continually trying to impress his young son. He is also focused on jump-starting his career by writing a story about Champ (Samuel L. Jackson), a former boxing great living on the streets of Denver. As a friendship develops between Erik and Champ, each helps the other along a path leading to redemption.

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