The Denver-centric feature flick “Resurrecting the Champ” debuted Saturday night at Sundance, and Denver Post film critic Lisa Kennedy was among the hundreds of excited (sometimes squealing) fans who got a sneak peek. Her verdict? “It wasn’t as bad as it could have been,” Kennedy says, “but it wasn’t as good as it should have been.”
The Hollywood Reporter liked it better than she did. It called the film “sobering and uplifting.”
It’s also packed with star power: Samuel L. Jackson, Josh Hartnett, Alan Alda, Kathryn Morris and Teri Hatcher, all of whom attended the premiere, except Jackson, who was at a charity golf tourney.
Based on an L.A. Times Sunday Magazine story by J.R. Moehringer, “Resurrecting” revolves around a homeless boxer living on the Mile High streets. But this is an idealized Denver. The fictional Mile High City boasts three daily newspapers, including the Denver Times, where Hartnett’s character toils as a sportswriter. Get ready for idyllic glimpses of Coors Field, Broncos training camp and the Capitol’s dome looming in the background as Hartnett cruises around town late at night.
Also, Ch. 4’s Jim Benemann finally gets a chance to show off his acting chops: His mug fills the entire screen at one point, talking about Denver’s quest to host the Democratic Convention.
One scene takes place at John Elway’s restaurant, with No. 7 himself in a brief speaking role. He’s good, I’m told, but also not likely to win a trophy.
No word exactly when “Champ” will hit local theaters, but insiders hint it should be before the Broncos’ home opener.
Birthday boy
When PR powerhouse Wendy Aiello told her fiancé, Ch. 4 boss Walt DeHaven, that she wanted to throw him a birthday party, he gave her a list of people to invite. She took one look and said, “Hey, Walt, this isn’t a poker game.”
So about 80 cardless people showed up Friday night at Campo de Fiori to eat salumi, drink vino tinto and toast DeHaven.
Faces in the crowd included Tim and Jackie Griggs and knockout daughters Madison and Avery; Devany Caruso; Jim and Chris Bain; Stacy Preblud; Joe and Caroline Rassenfoss; Rob and Patty Reuteman; Josh Hanfling (now the helpful host); Andi Smith (she’s going to Florence); Pam Ruschmeyer; Bonnie and David Mandarich; Holly Kylberg; Walter Isenberg; John Imbergamo; Erik Dyce; Robert and Anne Pearson; Dana Rebhun; Malcolm Farley (off to paint the Super Bowl); John Tobey; Nancy Levine.
City spirit
Gina London is back from Egypt and back working for Maria Garcia Berry. Gina will guest-bartend 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at the Denver Press Club; her boyfriend, Scotty Walsh, a self-described “old fashioned cabaret performer, vaudevillian and clown provocateur,” will do his thing at 7 for $5 cover … Becky Morris’ annual Park Hill School Silent Auction features autographed guitars from John Mayer and Widespread Panic. Go to blacktiecolorado.com … Sez who: “For some of us, self-deprecation is the olive in the martini of romance.” Henry Alford
Bill Husted’s column appears Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Husted also appears Tuesdays and Fridays on “Good Day Colorado” on Fox 31. You can reach him at 303-954-1486 or at bhusted@denverpost.com. Take a peek at Husted’s next column at denverpostbloghouse.com/husted.
