Ironically, I love inspirational sports movies, but get bored and confused by everything on ESPN. I enjoy the family elements that are added to the films, as opposed to watching an actual game I do not understand, nor really care to. This is precisely the reason why I enjoyed “Warrior.” My new found love for Nick Nolte probably didn’t hurt either.
Nolte plays a former boxer and alcoholic who has been sober for a couple years. He has two sons, Tommy (Tom Hardy) and Brendan (Joel Edgerton) who happen to be into mixed martial arts, which I assume is similar to wrestling or boxing. Brendan needs to win the championship to provide for his family, and his brother’s reason is less heartwarming. He would just like to win the large amount of prize money.
Naturally, you wouldn’t have any conflict in a movie unless the entire family is emotionally hurt by each other. The perfectly cast actors do an outstanding job at conveying this. All of the scenes between the three primary characters always felt genuine. One of the acting highlights for me was a brief scene of Nolte’s character gravitating back towards alcohol.
The film was also incredibly well shot, with a great deal of dimly lit scenes, many of them between Nolte and Hardy. This added to the dramatic aspects of their relationship. Also, the fighting scenes were shot using handheld cameras, getting up close to the action, and adding to the entertainment value and intensity. Aerial and long shots of Atlantic City (where the championship is held), and the adjacent ocean only add to visual appeal.
Finally “Warrior” had a nice mix of emotions. You have your usual inspiring moments (just without Sandra Bullock this time…a brief “The Blind Side” reference ), as well as some dysfunction, and a couple jokes thrown in there for good measure. Also, the pacing of this movie was perfect. It clocks in at over two hours, but is always engaging.
Essentially what all of this means is that if a combination of “Rocky,” “The Fighter,” and every other sports movie known to mankind, sounds appealing to you, then by all means give “Warrior” a try.
3 1/2 out of 4 stars
-Joseph Sbrilli
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