Watch The All-American Boy
- R
- 1973
- 1 hr 58 min
-
5.2 (268)
The All-American Boy is a 1973 film directed by Charles Eastman and starring Jon Voight as Vic Bealer, a young boxer trying to make it big in Los Angeles. The film takes place in the early 1960s and explores the themes of patriotism, masculinity, and the American Dream. Vic Bealer is a handsome and charismatic young man from a small town in Ohio who moves to Los Angeles to pursue his dream of becoming a professional boxer. He is physically talented and quickly attracts the attention of local gym owner and former boxer, Mr. Tully (Art Metrano), who sees potential in Vic and becomes his trainer.
As Vic begins to train and compete in local boxing matches, he also begins to experience the darker side of the sport. He becomes involved with a married woman named Julie (Nancie Phillips) who is struggling with her own identity and sense of purpose. Together, they navigate the ups and downs of their personal lives while trying to stay focused on their dreams.
The film is both a coming-of-age story and a critique of American culture. Vic represents the American Dream, a young man with raw talent and a fierce determination to succeed. But as he rises in the ranks, he begins to realize that the price of success may be more than he's willing to pay. He struggles with his own identity as a boxer and as an American, while also facing the harsh realities of institutionalized racism and corruption in the sport.
Despite its themes, The All-American Boy is not a preachy or didactic film. It is a character study that explores the complex emotions and motivations of its protagonists. Jon Voight delivers a powerful performance as Vic, a character who is both likable and flawed. He captures the intensity and passion of his character, making the audience care about his success and failures.
Art Metrano is equally impressive as Mr. Tully, the gruff but caring trainer who sees potential in Vic. He provides a grounded counterbalance to Vic's youthful bravado, and their dynamic adds an emotional depth to the film.
Nancie Phillips is also excellent as Julie, a woman who is struggling with her own sense of femininity and power. She provides a nuanced portrayal of a character that could have easily been a two-dimensional stereotype. Her chemistry with Voight is palpable, adding an air of doomed romance to the film.
The All-American Boy is also notable for its depiction of Los Angeles in the early 1960s. The film captures the grittiness and energy of the city during that time, from the seedy boxing gyms to the neon lights of Hollywood Boulevard. The cinematography is raw and realistic, giving the film an almost documentary-like quality.
Overall, The All-American Boy is a powerful and introspective film that explores the complexities of American masculinity, ambition, and corruption. Its themes are still relevant today, making it a timeless classic. The performances by Jon Voight, Art Metrano, and Nancie Phillips are outstanding, making the characters feel real and relatable. If you're a fan of character-driven dramas, The All-American Boy is definitely worth checking out.
The All-American Boy is a 1973 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 58 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.2.