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My Name Is Lenny

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My Name Is Lenny

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Summary

Biopic of bare-knuckle fighter Lenny McLean, exploring his troubled upbringing and early days in the unlicensed boxing world, and his career-long rivalry with fellow fighter Roy Shaw. Starring Josh Helman, Michael Bisping and John Hurt in one of his final roles

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Review

A star rating of 3 out of 5.

Jeremy Aspinall

The life of notorious East End hardman Lenny McLean received decent documentary treatment with The Guv'nor in 2016. Here, fictional flesh is put on a fascinating snapshot from the big man's story: the forging of his fearsome reputation as a pugilist after the trio of ferocious fights with unlicensed boxing champion Roy "Pretty Boy" Shaw in the late 70s. However, as co-writer Martin Askew confessed, director Ron Scalpello's film is no "cockney thugfest". It's as much about McLean's twin demons of alcohol and a childhood brutalised by his vicious stepfather (played by Askew), as it is grisly punch-ups. Aussie actor Josh Helman (the young Stryker in a couple of X-Men films) does wonders imitating the McLean mannerisms and growling menace, but he also pulls off more tender moments alongside Chanel Cresswell (Bafta winner for This Is England '90) as his loyal and loving wife, Val. Add classy support from Nick Moran (as his trainer), Rita Tushingham and John Hurt (in his final role); a fine score from Ian Arber; and authentic Hoxton locations, and you have a serious take on a local (if not untarnished) hero.

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6.1/10

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Credits

Cast

rolenameLenny McLeanJosh HelmanVal McLeanChanel CresswellRoy "Pretty Boy" FloydMichael BispingJohnny BootnoseNick MoranTrixie MarksJennifer Brooke"Carrots" McLeanCharley Palmer RothwellReenie JoyceRita TushinghamLeslie SalmonJohn HurtFrank WarrenGeorge RussoJim IrwinMartin Askew

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Crew

rolenameDirectorRon Scalpello

Details

Theatrical distributor

Lionsgate

Released on

2017-06-09

Languages

English

Guidance

Violence, swearing

Available on

DVD and Blu-ray

Formats

Colour

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