Second Best
Second Best

Second Best

2004Movie86 minEnglish

Jealousy overwhelms a group of friends, particularly struggling writer Elliot, as they prepare for the homecoming of their old friend, a wildly successful L.A. producer.

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Insights

IMDb6.0/10
Director: Jonah Lisa BarnettGenres: Drama, Sport

Plot Summary

A young boy, obsessed with his absent father, finds solace and distraction in a local boxing gym. As he trains, he begins to idolize the gym's gruff but kind owner, seeing him as a father figure. However, his mother's disapproval and the harsh realities of the sport threaten to derail his aspirations and his newfound sense of belonging.

Critical Reception

Second Best received a mixed to positive reception from critics, who praised its emotional core and strong performances, particularly from William Hurt. However, some found the narrative predictable and the pacing uneven.

What Reviewers Say

  • The film benefits greatly from the compelling presence of William Hurt.
  • The boxing sequences are handled with a gritty realism.
  • The story treads familiar dramatic territory, lacking significant originality.

Google audience: Audience reception for 'Second Best' is not widely documented on Google Reviews, making it difficult to summarize specific likes or dislikes.

Fun Fact

William Hurt and John Hurt, despite sharing the same last name and playing related characters in the film, are not related in real life.

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