Fighting
Fighting is set at the backdrop of Manhattan, Brooklyn and Bronx. The movie is about street fighting that involves huge sums of money put on bets. The characters; however, overshadow the plot of the film.
The regular fight story film has brought some well-crafted characters. It is about an artless small town lad from Alabama and a well-versed fighter from Chicago who fight in the secret lanes with loads of money riding on the back of winner.
Channing Tatum plays the character of Shawn and his father was a former wrestling coach. Shawn is a short-tempered guy who was not very keen in selling cheap stuff on the pavement.
Terrance Howard plays the role of Harvey and he is quite a popular guy with gentle-manners though he endorses illegal fight. Harvey notices Shawn in a street fight and appoints him. Harvey fixes matches for Shawn with lots of cash as betting amount.
The director Dito Montiel has not bothered to follow credibility and logical factors. He has made an attempt to make a genre movie, although he has provided a blueprint of the film, he mainly targets the characters.
Howard as Harvey is enthralling; it is surprising as to how he manages to have a cool attitude considering his profession. Harvey seems to be completely involved in his work; he knows all the positives and the negatives of his work yet he manages to stay unaffected.
Tatum as Shawn looks genuine as an athlete. He readily accepts the offer to fight and is not afraid of facing stronger adversaries.
Shawn has an indefinite relationship with a single mother Zulay (Zulay Henao) who works as waitress in a club that is frequented by the members of the ‘fight club’. And Shawn meets her with courteous nature. Zulay lights up the screen with her sensuous and charming persona.
The role Alba played by Altagracia Guzman was the most loved character; she is Zulay’s relative who guards her from strange men. Guzman’s role is a perfect example of a supporting actress.
The dialogues by Montiel and Robert Munic create an impression that the characters might have actually said those things in that particular situation; the conversations are so believable.
The flirtation between Zulay and Shawn does not lead to a sudden sexual encounter but it progresses as a delightful affair that is slow and makes the audience anticipate for something better.
The film does not get entitled as a cinematic genius but it definitely intrigues the audience beyond expectations. The advertisements seem to be prominent during the action scenes but you can possibly accept it, as that is what promotes the film in reality. Fighting excels beyond the ad campaign and the audience will surely have a pleasurable experience.
The audience might suddenly feel how involved they were while watching the movie. Though the movie cannot be rated as remarkable the characters are well etched and hold your interest for long, which might surprise you.
The film Fighting is rated as PG-13 for some violent fighting action and strong language for brief time as well as some explicit sexuality.
Film: Fighting
Cast: Shawn Channing Tatum as Shawn, Terrence Howard as Harvey, Zulay Henao as Zulay, Altagracia Guzman as Lila, Martinez Luis Guzman as Martinez, Roger Guenveur Smith as Jack Dancing, Ajax Michael Rivera as Ajax, Ray Flaco Navaja as Ray
Director: Dito Montiel
Writer: Robert Munic, Dito Montiel
Run time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Rating: 3/5
Posted on Saturday, April 25th, 2009 at 2:55 pm