Fighting

The original idea was probably not bad. Channing Tatum as a new fighter from the lower class, an inconspicuous trainer, a likable bartender next door, it all sounds fine - but this is not a new Rocky. In it, the trainer was an old choleric, the manager unbearable, and above all, Rocky was, despite his obvious simplicity, exactly the type of hero that you could root for any success. The script of Fighting wants to make this scheme even closer, even more popular, and it takes very little for the whole image to collapse. Tatum stutters for the sake of credibility, Terrence Howard hardly articulates, and Zulay is unintentionally unnecessary. The film, therefore, fails both as a statement and as a drama (the conflicts between the characters are either unnecessary or unbelievable) and completely burns out as an action film. Shawn comes to fight, gets a beating, but somehow doesn't end up losing in the end. Besides, without even training, he simply does a few exercises in an empty subway car and we're off. I don't buy it. The only salvation from this first-class disaster are the actors. No matter what Montiel throws at them, charisma cannot be destroyed. (25.04.2010)

A quite pleasant affair, that is, if you overlook the simplicity and straightforwardness of the story, which banal, leading again to an “American dream” conclusion. However, Channing Tatum is surprisingly good as the protagonist, who with his honesty stands out quite skillfully from the ranks of brainless tough guys, and he is excellently complemented by Terrence Howard and Zulay Henao. The portrayal of their relationship is superb. Although it is not a groundbreaking work, it is an undemanding and heartfelt one-off. After a while, you will forget about it, but you will definitely not be disgusted. (31.10.2009)

A nuanced tale of a fighter from the underbelly, delivered in a hilariously thickened indie style in which all authenticity is subservient to a disjointed and flimsy script. Truly a failed attempt to present Hollywood clichés in an independent dramatic style. Very aggressive boredom. (22.06.2009)