The film deals with the story of a homeless man who finds himself in a bad turn and falls within the framework of a group of teenagers who use their wealth to fight each other. He is a strange man who repeatedly tries to slide into a parallel world where he finds solace when he discovers the notes of a teenage girl.
Cardboard Boxer is an underdog fighter that, despite its considerate and often good performances, often finds its punches pulled. It's a shame, too, because it could've been a knockout.
By emphasizing the uglier aspects of his most complex character, Lee turns an otherwise down-to-earth slice-of-life drama into an unconvincing morality play.
Emotionally powerful, unsentimental drama of a homeless man in downtown L.A., built around a subtle and heartbreaking performance by Thomas Haden Church.
Delivering a fully committed, moving performance, Thomas Haden Church makes you pay attention to a figure you would otherwise pass by without a second thought.
