Thirty six years after Robert DeNiro made film history as famed boxer Jake LaMotta in “Raging Bull,” he returned to Cannes in triumph as boxing coach to Roberto Duran in “Hands of Stone.”
Harvey Weinstein jumps back in the Oscar race with this very exciting extremely well made film starring DeNiro, Edgar Ramirez, and a cool cast that includes Ellen Barkin and Turturro. Usher– that’s right, Usher– the pop r&B star– makes a huge impression playing boxer Sugar Ray Leonard. Usher has had screen roles but this is like a startling debut. Beautiful job.
Tonight’s Cannes screening was also part of a star studded black tie tribute to DeNiro. I’ll have video in the morning from the event. There were emotional and funny speeches from Weinstein and DeNiro, with humorous hosting by Cannes festival director Thierry Fremaux.
Meantime Hands of Stone feels like a real movie, the kind that gets awards but you recommend to friends. It’s funny and dramatic and substantial. Its August 26th release can’t come fast enough.
