Fighting (2009): Film Review

Please acknowledge that I critique the aforementioned title, and base the associated review off personal opinion. However, I personally believe that perspective is responsible for separating the individual opinion, and hence provides for contradictive views. This film, in particular, was written by Dito Montiel. If you are unfamiliar with the work of Montiel, I strongly recommend his cinematic debut, "A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints." In the meantime, this review is in regards to the 2009 release, Fighting.

The Summary

Raised in a small town, Shawn MacArthur is now selling counterfeit merchandise in New York City. Initially, the movie portrays Harvey Boarden as a desperate scam artist attempting to conceal a mere $20 taken from the character of Shawn. Eventually, however, we are introduced to a polite, reassuring individual who simply neglects society and seeks more accommodating living standards. With this notion, he enters Shawn into underground fighting matches in hopes of accruing additional monies and reputation. Luckily, Shawn prevails his competition and is sought to compete against former teammate and extreme fighter, Evan Hailey. Of course, Harvey ensures Shawn that winning is impossible, and therefore bets against him. A romance evolves between Shawn and another crew member of Harvey's, Zulay, who eventually contradicts Harvey's authority and utilizes the funds on behalf of Shawn. Of course, the film concludes with Harvey accepting defeat until Shawn informs the con that they, in fact, betted against Hailey. The End.

The Cast

Channing Tatum, who also supported Shia Lebeouf in Montiel's AGTRYS, portrays Shawn MacAuthur. Terrence Howard is cast as the scam Harvey. Zulay Henao is the love interest; and Brian White plays former teammate Evan Hailey.

My Opinion

Relaxed on a quiet evening, comfortable on my couch, I enjoyed a few rounds before the opening credits were cast. The film, overall, is entertaining enough to enjoy if fighting sparks excitement among you. The acting was surprisingly decent. Unfortunately, the film failed to receive good reviews due to too many open ended storylines and unanswered questions. Of course, typically films such as these require a bit of imagination though, and allows the audience to formulate the remaining storyline. The fight scenes are brutal and somewhat realistic, assuming the characters were actually trained. The style was a bit amateur. To conclude, this film is simple entertainment but will doubtfully produce any awards.