"They Made Me a Criminal", directed Busby Berkeley

Movie, 1939

Boxing movie which looks tired and dated, even if the opening premise, at least, is intriguing. After a while, the plot, acting and narrative all flop, leaving a pretty mundane picture with a few baffling scenes which do little to carry the action forward or comment on the main plot (borrowed from an earlier film). Difficult to know who this film was aimed for, and although not impossible to watch, it's quite a struggle. Some interesting character developments - not least in the central protagonist - though not enough to sustain interest.

"Foxcatcher," directed by Bennett Miller

Movie, 2014

Adaptation of a real life story involving an Olympic wrestler and a philanthropist whose interest in the sport bring the men and families closer together. In a film where the drama builds and fortunes interweave and develop, there's plenty to admire, even if a few bits and pieces are a little hard to get used to, mainly John DuPont's odd prosthetics and very static immobility. Still, well worth looking at and a very involving, affecting piece looking at stardom, power as a corrupting force and close familial relationships.