Tony Luke, Jr. Comes Out Swinging in The Nail

An accomplished actor as well as restaurateur, Tony Luke, Jr. leads an impressive cast in The Nail: The Story of Joey Nardone. Based on an original story idea by Luke, "The Nail" is a story of friendship, redemption and second chances set against a boxing backdrop.

Joey "The Nail" Nardone indicted for manslaughter

Luke plays the title role, a once promising boxer who earned his nickname because he can drive nails into the wall with his bare hands. Imprisoned for 8 years for manslaughter, Joey is no longer the athlete he was when he entered prison.

After his release, Nardone is unsure what to do with his life, but it's obvious that 8 years behind bars haven't diminished the guilt he feels for his crime. His friend Massimo (William Forsythe) offers to find him a better place to live in his old South Philadelphia neighborhood, but Joey prefers to stay in a rodent-infested apartment.

"The Nail" finds redemption back in the boxing ring

Joey also finds himself drawn back to the gymnasium where he got his start. Petey (Leo Rossi), the owner, would rather give him some pocket money than have "The Nail" emptying spit buckets, but he gives Joey a job. Nardone even gets comfortable enough around the ring to start sparring with some of the young, up-and-coming fighters.

Eventually, Joey stars a friendship with Jesus (Paul Orrantia), a 14-year-old neighbor who is being abused by his father (Billy Gallo). At first, Jesus thinks Nardone is just some neighborhood weirdo, but once he learns about his boxing experience, the boy begs him to teach him how to fight properly. Unfortunately, his dad still treats his son like a punching bag for no reason at all.

"The Nail" is a drama with an edge

A movie with an edge to it, "The Nail" is both a decent sports film as well as a solid drama. As Joey Nardone, Tony Luke, Jr. turns in a winning performance. When Luke first appears on screen, it's obvious that his guilt feels like a weight around his neck, which is only lifted when he becomes friends with his young neighbor.

In his screen debut, Paul Orrantia also is impressive as Jesus, who has to deal with bullies at school as well as his own abusive father. Over time, Joey shows him what it really means to be a man and what hard work and dedication can achieve.

A very watchable film, "The Nail" drives the point of the story home without becoming too preachy. It also gives Tony Luke, Jr. a chance to give a nod to his hometown of Philadelphia.

"The Nail: The Story of Joey Nardone,"rated R for language, violence including some domestic abuse, and brief sexuality is available through Netflix. The DVD also can be purchased at the official movie website.