JULIE ONI
Staff Writer
Magic happens at the U.S. Naval Academy. As evidenced by the new film “Annapolis,” a highly hierarchical world can miraculously transform into a level playing-field under the right setting: the boxing ring.
The movie tells the inspiring story of Jake Huard who, just like a rabbit from a hat, becomes the magical reminder that anything is possible. Huard (James Franco) is a native Annapolis shipbuilder who, though under-qualified, is given the chance to attend the competitive four-year Navy training program in his hometown.
Huard is at a disadvantage from the start, when he lands on the bad side of midshipman lieutenant Cole (Tyrese Gibson). Aware of Huard’s luck at being placed in the program, Cole sees him as unfit for the Navy and does everything he can to get him to quit.
Tensions rise with the introduction of the boxing ring. Midshipmen are instructed to train in the sport to become more fit as well as prepare for the most important event of the year at the Academy: The Brigade Championships.
From the moment it is introduced, the ring seems enchanting. The well-chosen words of boxing coach McNally (Chi McBride) set the stage for this magical playground. “The boxing ring,” he says, “is the only place in this Academy where everyone’s equal.”
From this moment, the midshipmen are captivated by the powers of this ring.
One day, while practicing, they are asked if anyone would like to volunteer to fight Cole, who is also a talented boxer. Huard offers himself up for the challenge and suffers a great embarrassment.
This humiliation increases Huard’s hate of the lieutenant, at the same time reinforcing in Cole’s mind Huard’s misplacement in the Academy.
Behind closed doors, the magician continues to hone his craft. With the help of commander Ali (Jordana Brewster) and lieutenant commander Burton (Donnie Wahlberg), Huard continues to improve his game.
In the ring, Huard the magician casts a spell on his roommate Loo (Roger Fan), his newfound equal. After the show, Loo quickly joins Ali and Burton to help prepare Huard for the championships.
The underdog, Huard, has cast a spell on this man who had no respect for him, and all because of the magic that takes place within this great equalizer called the boxing ring.
This is the magic of the movie. It can take a common basis like boxing or the Navy and create a story that changes the way these two things are viewed. Who ever knew the Navy could be such a supernatural setting? Who would’ve thought that an inner peace would arrive in such a rigorous atmosphere?
Director Justin Lin brilliantly achieves this unique perspective by throwing out the overdone “heroic patriot” storyline that so often accompanies Armed Forces films. Instead of a man fighting for an entire country, he tells the story of a so-called wannabe who fights for nothing more than his own dignity.
“Annapolis” is a story about overcoming odds and the magic of having a fair chance to triumph. It is not about winning or losing, but rather the possibility of achieving success.
It is the story of a midshipman magician, the rabbit from a hat who proved he was more than what he seemed, and just as worthy as anyone else to be so.
02-02-2006
