The Warrior - The Iron Claw

Just brutal. Could you imagine your family's story being so depressing they had to tone it DOWN for an A24 movie? Just wow. RIP Chris Von Erich, hopefully your story will be told too someday.

There were a lot of pros to this movie. While Zac Efron and Jeremy White knocked it out of the park, it was a little difficult imagining them as 6'2 wrestlers. But hey I was willing to stretch my disbelief. The Tom Sawyer montage was kickass and I'd be lying if I didn't cry my eyes out at the end. Solid acting and definitely an interesting story.

Having said that, when you read the actual Von Erich story it's far more interesting than what the Iron Claw had to offer. It seemed like the studio wanted more of a basic three act drama than the insanely tragic lives the Von Erich's endured. So many lines in the script were so over the top I basically felt like I was being spoon fed by the director. Almost nothing was subtle that it some scenes felt reminiscent of Walk Hard. Some sections of the movie dragged and it seemed like the director just wanted to get from point A to B without really engaging the audience.

Overall a decent flick, well acted and certainly had some good scenes. If only there were a stronger script and better director maybe a less Hollywood Von Erich story could have been told.

Let me preface this by saying I am not a fan of pro wrestling at all. I actually think it's kind of silly but this film is great regardless

As always A24 delivers another great film. The acting is amazing. The story and dialogue are great. Everything about this film is awesome. It is a bit sad though. But coming in, I knew it was gonna be sad because I knew a little bit about the Von Erics from my dad who loves pro wrestling.

Zac Efron does an amazing job as the lead in this film. The co stars that played his family do a great job as well. Zac Efron and pretty much every major character has an amazing arc and a lot of development. They also have very good chemistry on screen.

Story wise it is a very good story, but very sad at the same time. It does have the benefit of being based off of a truly amazing story of a family of athletes. The dialogue is very well written. The story goes very smoothly.

The production value was good. I've come to expect a good production value when it comes to A24 films. The cinematography isn't as crazy or unique as a normal A24 film but they still do a good job regardless.

Overall, it's worth the time and money you spend.

The film's visual narrative is meticulously crafted, with every frame thoughtfully composed to not only tell a story but to also immerse viewers into its atmospheric depth. The cinematography is indeed a standout, utilizing innovative camera techniques and lighting to accentuate the mood, tone, and overall aesthetic of the film.

Moreover, the acting in "Iron Claw" is nothing short of remarkable. The cast delivers performances that are deeply nuanced and emotionally resonant, bringing their characters to life with authenticity and complexity. Through their skillful portrayals, the actors navigate the intricate dynamics of their roles with finesse, making the audience invest in their journeys. The chemistry among the cast further amplifies the film's emotional impact, making the relationships and conflicts more compelling.

In combination, the film's well-executed cinematography and stellar acting not only enhance the storytelling but also create a rich, cinematic texture that is both engaging and thought-provoking. "Iron Claw" stands as a testament to the power of visual storytelling and the art of performance, making it a must-watch for those who appreciate the craft of filmmaking.

To think I originally dismissed this movie completely and now, after finally having seeing it, it has become one of the best movies I've seen in some time. The surprises are constant, first I had never heard of of the Von Erich, I didn't know the director and I knew Zac Efron. All details that under normal circumstances would have kept me away but. Oh my goodness! What a wonderful movie, beautifully written and directed and then Zac Efron! A performance of such beauty and of such truth that made me want to see the movie again, immediately. I didn't, but I will. It moved me and shattered me because I believed him. He's not alone, Jeremy Allen White is also superb and the last minutes of the movie found me with tears running down my face. Terrific.

I cannot begin to describe how accurate Zac's portrayal of Kevin is. I knew the brothers in the early 80's. This is a heart wrenching account that delivers every high and low of their lives.

The performances are nuanced, with an unexpected depth. This is not a feel good movie. The ending is actually the beginning and that is beautiful. Lily James is stupendous and mesmerizing as Pam, and I simply cannot express my awe of Zac's performance. He deserves an Oscar.

Just know that this story is as close to a documentary as it can possibly be. It was beautiful seeing the actual footage from various match ups. Thank you for making this.