Carman - O Campeão

You may have seen Carman on Christian television networks preaching or explaining eternal damnation in vivid detail. He is also known in the Christian community for his varied music styles -- everything from southern gospel to rap. Yes, rap. This seems to be his attempt at a more mainstream type of "Christian" movie. I don't know that this movie received any type of mainstream success.

What surprised me the most about this movie is how watered down the Christian message is. I would have expected Carman to pull out all the stops, fitting the salvation message in every nook and cranny. In place of a specifically Christian message is a predictable schlocky tale of a former boxer trying to help kids without a chance. Various thug stereotypes are intermixed throughout, along with some romance with a single mom.

There is pretty much no value to this movie besides some actors that got a paycheck. It's just bad enough; but not enough for much MST3K-type commentary. If you are going to go the christian route, find a film that's about the life of Jesus. Otherwise, who cares? You can watch an episode of "Saved by the Bell" and at least that is marginally funny and has about the same quality of a message.

Rarely is a movie made like, "The Champion" and for this we can be eternally grateful. Carman left the music stage for a movie that can only be described as embarrassing. I love Carman's style of music (he's one of my favorite artists), but he doesn't belong in a full-length movie.

The Christian Film industry has produced B-end times flicks like "Judgment", "Tribulation", and "Revelation" which look like classics compared to this movie. As others have mentioned, Carman ripped off quite a bit from Rocky (surprised he didn't take the red, white, and blue shorts from the last few films). It also includes an implausible love story and just for kicks, the gratuitous blowing up a truck.

As noted, the movie has some big problems in terms of morals. While Christians struggle to teach their kids to behave in a morally responsible manner and avoid sexual immorality, Carman makes out in the front seat of his car with a woman he just met while her son sleeps in the back.

While Christians combat the destructive force of organized gambling and the lottery, Carman's character gets the youth center of his dreams because his brother bet a few million on the fight Carman won.

Finally, there was the Commercial with the "Whoop@--" soda which was of poor moral taste.

The film's redeeming values are found in the fact that it spurred Carman's second "Best of" collection including a new single "Heart of a Champion" which would have fit so well with the film.

I would give this movie 4 out of 5 stars, it's unbelievably good. for whatever reason this movie was not available for preview for critics, and so far I haven't seen any ratings for this movie anywhere.

It's a great movie full of drama, romance and comedy, and with a believable story the movie while having a clear Christian message does not get "preachy" but dispenses with the message while entertaining you and at times keeping you on the edge of your seats, Definitely worth the price of admission at the Theaters, and not a movie you will be embarrassed taking your family

Maybe Hollywood will get the message that we would like great "Family Films" like this one

WOW! Where did this movie come from? Being a fan of Carman's, and I only just recently heard about this film. I saw it today, not expecting much, and all I can say is WOW!!! I really didn't know what to expect, maybe a cute little movie that Carman wrote and made, and a nice message about the Lord, with LOT'S of singing by Carman. Boy, was I wrong! This movie packs quite a PUNCH! I was ACTUALLY entertained, and found myself getting into this story, and caring about the charactors. The audience I was with, actually applauded during the movie during the climax and cheered during the grand finish. The quality and acting was MUCH better than expected, the action was cool, and the story kept pumping and throwing those curves that kept us involved in the story. This movie has a little bit of everything to please everybody. There is NOT alot of boxing, so the girls can feel safe about coming. Yet, there is enough fighting and action to keep the guys into their seats, and not go out for popcorn. This is a movie that the world can come and see, be introduced to a Christian lifestyle, and walk out feeling good and not like the gospel was shoved down their throats. This is NOT a preaching film, (come on, we see Carman beating people up, and smootching with the main lady) but do get to see what drives him spiritually. This movie is purely entertainment, and was I ever entertained! Thanks Carman and crew, for giving us another great film for this weekend!

I saw Carman the Champion. I really really enjoyed this movie. Hollywood take notes. We don't want to see people showing all of their body parts. We want to see good movies with good values. I am a single parent. I took my son to see this movie because I knew that we would not have to walk out of the movie half way in to it. The character that Carman played is the kind of man that I would want to be a role model for my son. This is the kind of man who I want to marry. Keep up the good work TBN and Carman.