PROVIDENCE – The premiere of “The Roaring Game,” a romantic comedy from East Greenwich’s Verdi Productions, will highlight the Saturday night lineup of the Rhode Island International Film Festival on Aug. 9.
Written and directed by Cranston’s Tom DeNucci and starring Mickey Rourke, Justin Chatwin and William Forsythe, with cameos by former New England Patriot Rob Gronkowski, “The Roaring Game” tells the story of high school custodian Rickey, who loses everything when his girlfriend is picked to play hockey for Team USA. Rickey looks to win her back by forming a misfit curling team and going for the gold, capturing the nation’s heart in the process.
“It really was a lot of fun making this movie,” said Chad A. Verdi, chief executive of the production company, who added that the feelings of the cast and crew should be evident and transfer right to audiences.
A script 15 years in the works
Besides being fun, the movie was also a long time coming.
“I hired Tommy to write this script 15 years ago,” when curling was still viewed by many as an oddball sport. As Verdi looked forward to the Winter Olympics, he called DeNucci. “I said, ‘Tommy, break out the curling script.'”
Which underscores the timeliness of the story. “It needs to be released around the Olympics,” he said.
To buy tickets for the premiere, visit the Rhode Island International Film Festival website. Tickets can also be bought at the door.
Poster for “The Roaring Game” from East Greenwich’s Verdi Productions.
How the ‘Roaring Game’ was made
Filming took place in September and October, and included 250 to 300 extras.
The cast is rounded out by Darin Brooks, Fivel Stewart, Eddie Kaye Thomas, Vanessa Angel, Antwon Tanner, John Fiore, Paul Johansson, Jonathan Stoddard, Brett Azar, Eric Lutes and Rob Goon.
The movie was produced by Chad A. Verdi, Michele Verdi, Chad Verdi Jr., Paul Luba and Anthony Gudas.
Verdi is negotiating with distributors to release “The Roaring Game” in the November-through-February time frame.
The Saturday night premiere of “The Roaring Game” will also include a trailer for “Sleepwalker,” starring Hayden Panettiere, filmed in Rhode Island in February by Verdi Productions in association with Leonardo DiCaprio’s Appian Way Productions. “Sleepwalker” is a psychological thriller about a grieving mother who is haunted by the tragic death of her young daughter and who becomes plagued by haunting visions as the lines between reality and nightmare blur. It is expected to be released in early 2026.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: RI Film Fest heats up with premiere of ‘The Roaring Game’
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