“The Featherweight” Breaks No New Ground

The Featherweight (Robert Kolodny, 2023) 3 out of 5 stars

Robert Kolodny’s The Featherweight delivers a mockumentary following one of the most accomplished featherweight boxing champions of our time. Starring James Madio (Boon) as that boxer, Willie Pep (a real-life figure), the story starts with him at the top, with a decorated career and about to retire. But as Willie’s life spirals thereafter, including relationship troubles with his wife, Linda (Ruby Wolf, The House of Nod Halloween Special), and drug addiction troubles with his son, Billy (Keir Gilchrist, It Follows), he seriously considers getting back into the ring, despite pushback from his former coach, Bill (Stephen Lang, Don’t Breathe).

One of the biggest strengths of The Featherweight is also one of its weakest elements: Kolodny mirrors the powerful structure of Martin Scorsese’s 1980 Raging Bull, where the viewer gets an intimate look at the background of a champion, with a focus on his personal life outside the ring. Willie Pep lives an intense enough life to create compelling moments that leave the viewer somewhat invested. Unfortunately, the film focuses too much on the lifestyle of the character, and many of the exciting scenes of Willie’s are therefore not shown.

While its narrative leaves much to be desired, The Featherweight manages to tell its tale in a unique way through the use of the mockumentary genre. Kolodny approaches the style by making us feel as if we truly are following the real-life Willie Pep, including character interactions with the “camera operator” and unique handheld angles, much like the popular sitcoms like The Office and Parks and Recreation. He also thereby unveils plot points through interview-style monologues, which adds a well-paced dynamic to break up dramatic moments.

With already steep competition in the sports genre, The Featherweight may be distinctive in its representation of an immensely talented fighter from the 1950/60s, using solid set design, costuming, and hair/makeup, it sadly does not ring singular in its storytelling and direction. In many ways it goes through the motions of depicting the rise and fall of a hero, and the drama that ensues is reflective of films done before it. While Kolodny honors a major athlete in American history, he may not necessarily have made cinema history here.

Adam Vaughn

Adam Vaughn is a graduate of the Film & Moving Image program at Stevenson University, with a focus in Cinematography and Production. He also has a minor in Theater and Media Performance. Adam works as a freelance photographer and videographer, focusing his craft on creating compelling photographic and cinematic imagery. Adam is excited to join the Film Festival Today team and explore the world of cinema and visual arts.