Review of Fighting (2009) by Dean K — 17 Mar 2010

Anybody who didn't like this movie has their standards set way too high. Yes it is a simple and thinly hashed out plot. And yes, the dialogue is borderline cheesy and could have been written by any kid in a college screenwriting class, but the film has so many other redeeming qualities.

First of all, we jump right in to the action with Tatum's character setting up shop as a busker in downtown New York. Little does he know he's in the wrong territory and in the ensuing altercation we get to see his fighting skills on full display. These fighting scenes are the best part of the movie, and as the drama unfolds and the stakes get higher as Tatum is pulled deeper in to the world of underground bare-knuckle boxing, the battles get more and more intense and are surprisingly realistic.

The side characters aren't fully developed but that's OK. My favourite is the Latina grandmother who disapproves of absolutely everything.

Terrence Howard is serviceable, Luis Guzman is just alright in his turn as the villaimous Martinez, and the two guys that play the Wall Street types are delightfully douchey.

It builds to a predictable if not satisfying climax and the payoff is well worth the wait. It's popcorn fare, and I like that. I could have seen David Mamet taking this story and subject matter and making this movie a critical darling, but it was still a lot better than I thought it was going to be and pushed all the right buttons.

Best line in the movie:

CLUB GIRL: Hey, you're Earl Hailey.

EARL HAILEY: And you're wearing contacts.