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* FIGHTING TOMMY RILEY (USA) (nar)
Actor J.P. Davis wrote himself into the title role of this up-from-under tale of a scrappy young boxer’s encounter with a troubled, sickly ex-trainer. But this is no Rocky — Davis and director Eddie O’Flaherty focus on the twisted emotional interiors of the two men as they work to rebuild Riley’s career, avoiding the big-payoff ending in favor of a more nuanced, bittersweet breakthrough. Anchored by Eddie Jones’ passionate turn as the trainer, the film also benefits from convincing boxing details — in its seedy gyms and shabby apartments, Riley comes closest in tone to John Huston’s Fat City. (DGA 2, Fri., June 18, 6:45 p.m.; DGA 1, Sun., June 20, 1:30 p.m.) (JS)