Grade: A
“Warrior” the latest sports fighting flick hits theaters this weekend. I’m not going to lie to you guys. When I first saw the preview for this movie, my initial thoughts were “Oh no.. not another one of these inspirational fighting films.” But after seeing the movie, I completely retract that statement. “Warrior” is one of the best movies of the year.
The movie rings in at 2 plus hours long, yet doesn’t once feel that way. Its a little slow to start, but picks up pace quickly. Filled with some of the most realistic fight scenes, and great story about an estranged family. Tommy Conlon a Marine returns home and joins a gym taking interest in the MMA training taking place there. His brother Brendan at the same time is struggling with bills and fights in small MMA style competitions to try and help out with bills. Both brothers eventually making their way to the Championship tournament in Atlantic City.
Warrior is sure to stir up plenty of Oscar Buzz this coming award season. Some might even deem it as this years Fighter, but honestly I liked Warrior better than “The Fighter.” The stand out performance as far as I’m concerned is rising super star Tom Hardy as Tommy Conlon. Sure the movie is almost more centric upon Joel Edgerton’s character Brendan, who’s characters intentions are a little more clearcut to the audience. There’s quite a bit of mystery surrounding “Tommy” for the first half of the film.
One might assume that since this is a fighting film, there’s nothing in it for the women of the world. Well to that I have to say, you’re dead wrong. The movie is a good one, and should not be missed. Plus Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton have their shirts off for more than half of the film. But beyond that I think the ladies that go see this will probably end up crying a few times during the film, in fact I dare you to try not too.
Director Gavin O’Connor succeeds at tugging on our emotional heart strings and absolutely delivers. This movie deserves an audience, and I hope that you go see it and help the film knock “The Help” out of the top spot this weekend. All cheesy puns intended.
