Mickey Kelley

This is very low budget and the writing and story have some craft issues. That said, if you can get to the core of the fight scenes and story you'll find some unique moments. The main actor is the best he's ever been and really showed the beauty of jiu jitsu. This is as much a rocky comeback story as it is an homage to the power of jiu jitsu. Now, imagine getting this main actor a top notch script, budget and director? I would pay to see that.

Not having heard anything about this movie, I expected a straight-to-video type martial arts film based on BJJ - considering there seems to be a few cash grabs out at the moment. I figured it would be half way decent because Sean Patrick Flanery is a solid actor. What I didn't expect was a damn good story with great performances all around. I was also surprised to learn that Sean is a legit BJJ black belt, which is obvious as soon as he gets on the mat. Seeing this movie more than makes up for having to sit through the last 5 bad ones.

Or is he? I have to admit, since I don't follow fighting that much, maybe those depicted here are better known than I realize. It's a bit funny too that Costas Mandylor plays an evil Greek (but Muslim?) villain of sorts. On the other hand the character portrayed by Dennis Quaid is just a manager ... and yet while he has a connection with Sean Patrick Flannerys character is responsible for something awful ... but I am jumping ahead of myself.

The movie tells the story of a Jiu Jitsu fighter ... someone who is not out for the fame and glory. He doesn't mind a bit of money of course. And when he meets Katrina Bowden ... well all bets are off. Without knowing her really, he falls heads over heels for her. And there is one scene where he talks about her to a friend of his, that should touch you emotionally ... because he is such a good actor that you are in that moment. One of the better romantic moments in any movie, no matter the genre, hands down.

Sean Patrick Flannery is a cool Dude overall, everyone involved is really giving their best - and in the end you can read in a personal note that he cares much about the Jiu Jitsu. A nice note - no pun intended. Good fighting scenes, some expected twists and turns and a lot of drama ... as it should be.

Really enjoyed the storyline and the characters in this martial arts film. the acting was solid and the story kept you connected throughout. was not in touch with sean patrick flanery's acting although i have seen him from time to time. i had to go back and watch some of his previous movies and have become a new fan. loved katrina bowden in tucker and dale vs. evil and she had a moving role in this movie. watch this you won't be disappointed.

The script is so ambitious that it never settles on a single theme for more than a few minutes. Equal parts sports drama, MMA, romance, inspirational, motivational, and yesterday's lunch. Strangely it is precisely this lack of traditional story-telling -- an anti-Rocky if you like -- that keeps it interesting. Flanery, softspoken and sincere, is perfectly suited to ground the effort, and Alex Ranarivelo has the solid skills needed to keep things moving. The audience never gets quite what it expects -- the ending makes that more than clear -- and therein lies its charm.