A comedy about a somewhat dreamy amateur boxer, what a funny idea. Director Varante Soudjian had embarked on an almost impossible mission: to offer a French comedy that talks about the world of boxing… Sport and comedy rarely go well together in cinema. Perfect writing, impactful actors, “Challenger” strikes a blow to all those who thought they were falling for a turnip! Instead, it’s a huge crush.
Entrevue was able to attend a Parisian previewat the UGC Ciné Cité Les Halles. Full house, applause from the public, the echoes are more than positive.
With a lot of well-felt references, to Rocky in particular (and inevitably), with a subtle mix of good manners and well-staged sporting moments, the audience lets itself have a very, very good time.
Alban Ivanov excels as a loser boxer, lost in the north of France, a bit of a dreamer… Audrey Pirault plays a strong-headed manager, with a temperament to which we quickly become attached. David Salles plays a low-level promoter, his lines hit the mark.
As for the Marseillais Soso Maness, accustomed to the rap scene, he produced a magnificent first performance in the cinema. Rightly, he forgets his rapping talents to perfectly take on the costume of an actor. To see again.
Challenger – theatrical release on Wednesday October 23, 2024.
