Warrior
2011
***
Director: Gavin O'Connor
Cast: Joel Edgerton, Tom Hardy, Jennifer Morrison, Frank Grillo, Nick Nolte, Kevin Dunn, Vanessa Martinez, Noah Emmerich, Laura Chinn, Capri Thomas, Lexi Cowan, Denzel Whitaker
Tommy and Brendan were estranged years ago when their parents broke up. Now the brothers are forced to face their past and each other as they enter the same high-stakes mixed martial arts tournament. Gavin O'Connor's crowd-pleasing family/sports drama has become an audience favourite. This is a well-acted and infinitely watchable film, but there is no denying that the screenplay is predictable and the characters are walking clichés. The redemption arc is familiar but compelling, but we spend way too much time in the octagon watching buff men bash each other to pulp.
