Fight

I love sports movies and sports stories. One of my favorites is the television show Friday Night Lights.I love the way this show blends the small town daily lives of people with the backdrop of a story and uses both as devices to push the plot. Fight does this well also. The imagery of the film makes you feel like a resident of the small town and you live through the moments with all of the characters. John French absolutely kills it as the boxing coach, Sal, and is fully engaging each time he is on the screen. The message of faith is present and accessible but not shoehorned in which felt nice. The music also shines as there was attention paid to finding the best songs for the beats of the film. Excited to see what the next effort of this group will be!

Sometimes life knocks you down--whether through your own choices, outside circumstances, or both. And when that happens, it can be so easy to stay down, to give up. To wallow in despair because redemption seems beyond impossible... "Fight" shows another option, a harder but so much more fulfilling option. Former promising boxer Bo Lawson (Travis Hancock) is trapped in the downward spiral of alcoholism. His wife Kacie (Sarah Cleveland) finally takes their kids and leaves him to protect them, and then he's fired from his most recent job shortly after. Thankfully, he has a friend and mentor in his boxing trainer Sal (John French) who, in a few passionate speeches that reminded me of the movies Courageous and War Room, challenges him to get back up and face the obstacles. Not only does this movie inspire you to stand up and fight, but it also challenges the notion that faith-based films, especially those of a low budget, are cheesy. "Fight" is a realistic story with an AMAZING soundtrack and honest character portrayals from an all-volunteer cast.

Fight was a redemptive and believable story of love and forgiveness that showcased impressive cinematography, score, locations and talent for a 30K budget. There was a realistic feel to the film that made it easy to relax into the narrative and participate in the characters' conflicts and celebrations. The soundtrack in itself spoke volumes and several times the film takes a montage approach similar to a music video to communicate with the viewer. I appreciate the physical and emotional work put into the characters by the actors and especially enjoyed the final fight scene which was very well choreographed and exciting. Fight has a very solid ending with real and emotionally charged moments that stay with you as the credits roll. There are a few things I would have done differently or did not enjoy but those preferences are lost in the heart of this film, its message and the willingness of the cast and crew to get into the grit of real life on screen and to get this film made for us to see. Thank you to the FIGHT production unit for being honest and good stewards of your gifts. God bless and enjoy the show everyone!

The well-placed establishing shots coupled with the driving music set the tone for some great storytelling. The cinematography was creative and effective without being overly 'artsy' which can be difficult on any budget. I was also impressed by the raw and authentic performances given by the lead actors. Well-done.

From the broken heart of what could have been, to the hopelessness of being trapped in the bottle with no apparent way out, Travis Hancock brings his character to life in an overwhelmingly realistic way while demonstrating how he is tearing his family apart. Sarah Cleveland perfectly portrays the anguish of a wife torn between her love for her husband and the need to protect her children from the dangers of an alcoholic Father in the house. With a simple look or the subtle motion of touching her ring finger, she effortlessly lets her emotions flow without a word. Within the first two minutes you can tell from the cinematography and the music track, this movie will be a good one! Although this film was put together by a church it does not cram "God" down your throat. Instead, the Director chooses to make a film that ALL can relate too. With a $30,000 budget and volunteer actors, he succeeded with flying colors! A story of marriage struggles, addictions, fear of failure, gossip, rumors and overcoming impossible situations, "Fight" is a movie that isn't just about boxing. It is about trying one last time!