Review: Fighting

There are certain things I have to do. For example, a movie with the title, Fighting, I have to go see on principle.

Fighting is the second film directed by Dito Montiel, who’s debut film, A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints, was notable not only because of its direction and story line, but the great performances of many of its actors. Channing Tatum returns to work with Montiel again in Fighting, a movie with a similar feel to Saints, but unfortunately, a less inspired story line.

Let’s start with the good. Channing Tatum churns out another great performance. This guy is good, despite having that model–like quality that tells you, “all look, no talent.” Hopefully he continues with similar work — his upcoming appearance in Michael Mann’s Public Enemies should be a good indicator, and I don’t care what you say, but no boy is going to turn down being a G.I. Joe.

So, now the bad – Terrence Howard. I’ve never been particularly convinced of his acting talent or praise, even in Hustle & Flow. Here, he isn’t terrible, but the performance isn’t natural, and the story does nothing to help the plausibility. Beyond Howard, the rest of the performances are standard fare, with nothing much standing out besides Brian J. White trying too hard to be an antagonist without enough backstory to make sense of it all.

While the movie is ultimately watchable, and to a degree, entertaining (the fight scenes are fantastic, and not in the typical violence or brutality mongering kind of way), you have to go in ready to forgive the weak story. It makes several mistakes, stumbles frequently, and Montiel’s direction and style cannot compensate for the problems. Still, if you enjoyed A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints, you’ll appreciate Montiel’s work in this film, as well as Tatum’s earnest effort to carry the gravitas of the movie.

Find More Information: Apple Trailers, Official Movie Site, IMDb