★ 10 / 10
I heard about this movie, watched the trailer
Sandy K
I heard about this movie, watched the trailer and was instantly intrigued. I really liked the fact that even though this is technically a boxing movie, it…
I heard about this movie, watched the trailer and was instantly intrigued. I really liked the fact that even though this is technically a boxing movie, it didn't focus or rely solely on the boxing matches - as do most movies about the sport. We have seen those before and already know how those go. Instead, this felt like a relatable, human story about a broken man suffering with unimaginable grief, loss, guilt, trauma, isolation, and physical and emotional pain, who happens to use boxing and the whole "community" of a boxing gym to help him put the pieces of his life back together. If you have ever lost a parent, have children, have dealt with chronic health issues - mental and/or physical, you will be able to relate to Bobcat and will find yourself rooting hard for him. I really appreciated that this story didn't try to sugar coat how hard life can be, and put real life issues such as death, violent crime, addiction, family trauma, estrangement, isolation, domestic violence, mental health right in your face. Instead of packaging it up neatly or making the path forward seem way too easy as many films do, this one weaved all of those issues into very real, 3 dimensional characters who remind us of real people that we know and love, and parts of ourselves as well. I loved Vivica Fox's portrayal of the tough, but loving Jo. She was perfectly cast for that role! And I had never heard of Tim Realbuto before this movie, but will not forget him and the super honest performance he gave and the way he made his flawed character into someone we all wanted to hug and hang out with. The whole cast was great and just felt like a bunch of real life neighborhood people who happen to form a community because they work at the gym which became a healing and empowering space for all of them for different reasons. Great to see Matt Peters. Coolio and Taryn Manning, and Sally Kirkland all slaying their roles in an indie film!! The actress Sheria Irving who played Boots was great as well as Louis Mustillo as the lovable Carmine. The unhinged boxer/boyfriend Jay Hieron who played Tony was great in that he made you want to root against him! Honestly the whole cast did a great job creating full characters that by the end of the movie you felt you knew!
I don't want to give anything away but I will say that I also loved the fact that although the physical and emotional transformation of Bobcat was amazing (I saw that the actor lost 154 pounds during the year long filming process)!! It wasn't cliched where he was ripped and looked like a professional boxer by the end of the movie. He didn't have a happily ever after moment with his love interest and magically save her from her situation. Everyone continued to move forward but still struggled. They continued to be flawed and human, and that made me relate to and like them even more!
If you are looking for a cliched boxing or sports movie then you may or may not like this one. But if you love real stories about ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances, or just need to be inspired or encouraged to keep fighting for yourself, give this a watch. You will be glad that you did! Bravo to the whole crew and cast who put this movie together! Make more like this!
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★ 10 / 10
The best movie of the year, hands down
Amanda G
The best movie of the year, hands down. I can't stop thinking about it. It deserves to be seen again and again. I love Bobby, Jo, Lacey, all of them. They feel…
The best movie of the year, hands down. I can't stop thinking about it. It deserves to be seen again and again. I love Bobby, Jo, Lacey, all of them. They feel like old friends already. I watched it five times already. Best Picture Oscar please?
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★ 10 / 10
Great movie, it deserves a academy award, when
Sally J
Great movie, it deserves a academy award, when a movie touches your heart and makes u cry, I was amazed.
Great movie, it deserves a academy award, when a movie touches your heart and makes u cry, I was amazed.
67%
TOMATOMETER
· 6 reviews
96%
AUDIENCE
· 100 ratings
5.7/10
1.9K
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yea no thanks.