http://thefilmreview.com/forum/ Chat with fellow film fanatics en Fri, 10 Sep 2010 04:05:59 +0000 http://thefilmreview.com/forum/topic/film-review-fighting#post-29 Fri, 22 May 2009 08:56:13 +0000 mrw112@homtmail.com 29@http://thefilmreview.com/forum/ <p>Film Review: Fighting</p> <p>Starring: Channing Tatum, Terrence Howard, Luis Guzmán and Zulay Henao.</p> <p>Writers: Robert Munic and Dito Montiel</p> <p>Director: Dito Montiel</p> <p>Despite what the title, the trailer, and the beaten-like face of Hollywood newcomer, Channing Tatum (Shawn MacArthur) suggest, this movie is no super-actioned no-brainer.</p> <p>New to the silver screen writers, Munic and Montiel, unravel a sensitive narrative that explores many realms such as friendships, hardships and family ties. </p> <p>The writers’ style, and the vision of Montiel, the director, allow for a very engaging, artistic, and what seems to be a very realistic portrayal of what trying to make a living in New York would be like.</p> <p>MacArthur, whose income is made by selling whatever items he can get on the street, is coerced into showing his fighting abilities, and eventually, joining forces with Harvey Boarden (Terrence Howard). The duo (as well as Boarden’s team/ “family”), in the search of quick money, try to find a way to establish themselves so they can fight in the city’s unlicensed mixed martial arts bouts.</p> <p>The fight sequences are very few and relatively unglamorous. Although, unfair to the ardent martial art fan deceived into watching the movie, the film’s medium pace and drama-based style are consistent throughout – which is always a plus. Also, the soul and r ‘n’ b score that the movie boasts would make any DJ jealous and every audience member bop their heads.</p> <p>The performances of the three protagonists helped carry this new dimension of the Hollywood martial art movie. Terence Howard puts on a great show as a hustler and a kind-hearted father figure, but his way of speaking (like a juddery mouse) seemed slightly odd. Channing Tatum’s and Zulay Henao’s (Zulay) characterisations were refreshing, raw and natural, and definitely complemented one another’s. (Their joint scenes gave the impression that they were free-styled, as they seemed unrehearsed and unscripted. This added to the realism of the movie and unpredictability of making new friendships).</p> <p>Overall, I thought that this was a well-rounded, well-scripted and well-acted movie, however, I feel that its false advertising cheated the action fans.</p> <p>3 stars.</p> <p>Similar films: Save The Last Dance, American Gangster and the Rocky movies. </p>