Iffy for 14+
Street-fighting saga is stylish but cliched and violent.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this mediocre action drama about illegal street fighting is (suprise!) quite violent, with lots of brawling and some blood. There's a simmering romantic-sexual subplot, too, but the movie spends a lot more time on characters punching each other than on kissing. Although the movie has an underlying "follow your dream and never quit" message, it's hard to reconcile that with the illegal, brutal world it takes place in. Expect some broad ethnic stereotypes, strong language (including "s--t"), drinking, and smoking.
- Families can talk about the appeal of fighting as a sport. Is it the desire to see athletic excellence in action or something more primal?
- Does this kind of violence have more or less impactthan explosions and gun battles? Why?
- Families can also talk about theconflicts Shawn faces, as well as the bond he forms with hishandler/manager.
The good stuff
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Messages: The movie has underlying messages about self-reliance, honor, and character -- but since the film takes place in the world of illegal street-fighting, there's a disconnect between the characters' purpose and the sometimes-brutal action. New York's neighborhoods are depicted using broad ethnicstereotypes -- Brooklyn is full of Russian Jews, Chinatown full ofcaricatured Asian gangsters, the Bronx teeming with cliched Latinos, etc.
What to watch for
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Violence: Non-stop bare-knuckle brawling -- including grappling, punching, wrestling moves, kicks, punches, and more. Characters are shown bloodied and beaten after fights. Some gunplay; a supporting character is shot in the ear. The infamous "sleeper hold" is used repeatedly.
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Sex: Some kissing and cleavage; some suggestive talk about transvestites. Kissing leads to what must be sex; the deed isn't shown, but it's implied via a cut to characters cuddling and getting dressed.
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Language: Language includes "ass," "s--t," "dick," "nuts," "bitch," "oh my God," and "a--hole." References are made to "white boys," and the "N" word is used once.
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Consumerism: Brands mentioned or featured on screen include Mercedes, Everlast, and International House of Pancakes.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Characters drink hard liquor and beer and smoke cigars and cigarettes. Characters go to bars. "Crackhead" is used as an insult.
Fan Reviews provided by
3
Wait for it on video by no7spaz
Should have, and could have been a great movie. I had 5 boys with me, and we all wanted to fall asleep! We expected there to be more fighting, or at least more "training" scenes. He trained for like 3 minutes in the last 15 minutes or so of the film, and he only had like 3 "mini" fight scenes. WAIT FOR IT AT BLOCKBUSTER - OR BETTER YET - WAIT FOR IT AT RED BOX!
5
I like it! by Carmen00622
I saw this movie by error. I went to the wrong theater room but since I was already in a seat, I said what the hey. I must say that I do not like to fight or fighting but this movie really got my heart pumping. I ready got into it. I even started to throw some punches in the air. This guy Channing Tatum is not bad to look either. Very enjoyable movie. It should of gotten a better rating than a C.
2
Wheres the fighting???? by Thumperhump84
This movie was alll about this guy chasing some girl, the fight scenes were porely put together and the camera angles suck so that they didn't have to worry about trying to make it actually look like they're fighting. the worst thing is that between his fights he never spends any time even training for his upcoming fights. if you want to go see a sapy love story with bad acting then this is a movie for u but if you want to go watch a movie about fighting, hence the title, you will be sadly dissapointed.
3
saw it and it was a waste of time by NYRacerx
It looked like a remake of Charles Bronson "Hard times" movie. I saw it as a date movie and the chick fell asleep. Nothing special here, I recommend just rent and watch once.
4
NIce Movie. by jmccloy77
I really enjoyed this movie. I dont believe why people didnt like it or are giving it bad ratings. I go to the movies a lot and always review them. I did agree with one person on here. I wish they could have developed the characters a little more. It was moving pretty fast. The fight scenes were good. The story line was good. I would recommend seeing this movie.
2
So much potential by megston
I never write reviews on movies... but this movie was so disappointing!!!! Sure sure Channing Tatum is hott, but can he act? Sure in a romantic comedy, but not a drama! The dialog in this movie was awful and the storyline was really weak. This movie had so much potential, none of the stories were built up enough for you to care about them, his background story was weak, the love story was weak, and the fighting was minimal. C'mon, for a fighting movie you would expect more than 3 fights!! Ladies if you feel you love Channing Tatum, let me warn you, he only had his shirt off twice in the movie, I know I know shallow, but that's why we go right? Not worth it. If you must see this movie, see it at the dollars or rent it from RedBox... good thing I went to the matinee...
1
TERRIBLE!!! by ptpham2
The trailer was awesome. It put way to much hype on the whole movie. The acting was horrible and the fight scenes were ridiculous. Save your money and don't even go. Don't even bother waiting to rent it. IT IS THAT BAD!
2
Fighting - I could def. not have seen it and missed nothing by cmproffitt
The movie had basically no plot, and there was really no fighting. Channing Tatum is lacking in acting skills. I still haven't figured out the whole point of the movie....
4
Acting and Directing was Good-If you like the Plot-Check It Out by IAMREFLECTSHONE
I watched this last night. Like most movies it didn't exceed my expectations, it was a fair movie though. If you like fighting movies, you might enjoy. It really was more of a drama than anything. It really captures New York, a place I've never been. There were times I laughed, sometimes often. I think there was a lot of humor the audience missed. The fighting I thought was pretty realistic, and done way better than most martial art movies. If you like acting, and good directing and like the plot, I say go check out it out on a big screen. Otherwise, you will miss a lot of the movie at home on the little screen. Check out a matinee if money is a concern or an early bird special if you have those, then you cannot go wrong.
4
a need to see by casey70607
i really like this movie, lots of action, loved the ending