As a sports enthusiast and someone who has seen my fair share of underdog stories, I must say that “Unstoppable” is a movie that resonates deeply with me. It’s not just about the triumph of one man over his physical limitations; it’s about the struggle against the odds that life throws at us, be it in the wrestling arena or in our personal lives.
A middlebrow triumph-against-the-odds sports crowd-pleaser can be a beautiful thing — that is, if it doesn’t pander and lose itself in clichés, and if it has as much respect for reality as it does for getting an inspirational rise out of you. “Unstoppable,” a wrestling drama based on the life of the college champion Anthony Robles, is an honest and stirring entry in the genre, with genuine commercial potential. It has plenty of familiar tropes, but in its no-frills way it touches a nerve of authenticity. The true story it tells is nothing short of extraordinary, and that may be why the filmmakers didn’t feel the need to overhype it.
As a dedicated cinephile, I find myself transported back to 2006 at the High School Nationals in Philadelphia, where our protagonist, Anthony, a senior from Mesa, Ariz., skillfully portrayed by Jharrel Jerome, prepares for the championship bout. The initial striking detail that catches everyone’s eye is something that also grabs mine – Anthony only has one leg, his left one.
A bystander, genuinely questioning, wonders if the competition is for charity. Her companion responds with an unkind jest, implying she could outperform him. However, a woman seated some rows away, portrayed by Jennifer Lopez, interjects, “That’s my son!” Silencing them instantly. Despite their insensitive remarks, they somehow resonate with our initial perception of Anthony. Upon seeing this one-legged wrestler, we think to ourselves: He’s got a considerable disadvantage – a handicap he needs to conquer. It seems we’ve stumbled upon the type of movie that promises such a challenge.
To be fair, it’s not as straightforward as you might think. While Anthony may seem to have a disadvantage, during the competition, he moves his body with an impressive aerodynamic grace, reminiscent of a skilled breakdancer. It’s not that having one leg gives him an edge, but rather, he has developed a unique wrestling style based on the physique he was born with. This style is smooth, natural, and powerful. After winning the High School Nationals, we stopped viewing him as just a “one-legged wrestler.” Instead, we recognize him as an exceptional wrestler. He’s incredibly strong and fiercely competitive. He never wallows in self-pity and treats his physical condition as insignificant.
On the eve of my triumph, I’m the center of attention at a lively gathering, where a representative from Drexel University in Philadelphia extends an enticing proposition. They invite me to attend college there, promising a full scholarship covering tuition, accommodation, and living expenses. However, I seem less than ecstatic; Drexel hasn’t claimed a national wrestling championship yet, and I’m considering holding out for something more prestigious. As a movie enthusiast, I find myself on the edge of my seat, ready for the underdog story to unfold (I slip away from the party to follow in the footsteps of my idol, Rocky Balboa, at the Philadelphia Museum of Art). In my heart, I wonder, “Could I be the one to bring Drexel that coveted title?
However, the path to victory proves treacherous for Anthony. No other college extends a recruitment hand, leaving his choices scarce. He ponders whether he’d rather attend Arizona State University, being familiar with Mesa, as they do boast champions. Yet, when he encounters coach Shawn Charles (Don Cheadle), the only offer on the table is no scholarship and an opportunity to be a non-scholarship player, essentially fighting for a spot on the team against those who have already been recruited.
The heavy burden of practical choices, often scarce, is already pressing heavily on Anthony. This is the essence of “Unstoppable,” a film. Directed by debutant director William Goldenberg (of “Argo” and “Air” editing fame, along with Dylan Tichenor in “Zero Dark Thirty”), it was produced by Ben Affleck and Matt Damon’s production company, Artists Equity. The narrative it presents, though ultimately touching and emotional, carries a strong undertone of disillusionment and personal tragedy. It shares more similarities, in tone, with David O. Russell’s “The Fighter” rather than films like “Remember the Titans” or “Hoosiers.
At home, Anthony heavily depends on his mother, Judy (portrayed by Lopez), who delivers a powerful performance. Despite having numerous younger siblings of various ethnicities, Anthony’s father, Rick, is quite challenging. He’s a prickly, passive-aggressive bully, working as a prison guard who often turns situations into arguments. Cannavale portrays him with an intense “Black” accent that feels alarmingly authentic. Rick pretends to support Anthony, but constantly undermines him, criticizing his accomplishments. Over time, it becomes clear that he’s one of those harsh fathers who views everyone, including his own children, as competition. The father in the wrestling drama “The Iron Claw” was a domestic dictator who ruined his son’s lives, but Cannavale’s Rick is even more insidious because he conceals his destructive nature. What makes Rick even more abusive is that he isn’t Anthony’s biological father.
As a film enthusiast, I was initially taken aback by Jharrel Jerome’s subdued portrayal in this movie, as our expectations for sports heroes often lean towards bombastic displays. At first glance, his quiet demeanor seemed like a character trait borne out of some internal struggle or handicap, much like how losing a limb might make Anthony seem serious and thoughtful. However, as the film unfolded, it became clear that Jerome’s understated performance was simply his way of depicting Anthony as a genuine human being – a complex character with deeply felt emotions who chooses not to broadcast them. He is soft-spoken yet intense, deep in thought, and his single leg becomes a symbol of his determination, demonstrating that he is willing to push himself beyond limits to achieve success.
Anthony attends ASU, and during one of the regular training sessions for the wrestling team, those hoping to join must run three miles up a rocky, cactus-covered hill. Remarkably, Anthony does this not on foot but with crutches. This determination is evident, as he demonstrates it by arriving at the gym before anyone else and lifting heavy weights during workouts; he pushes himself harder to compensate for his birth circumstances.
Despite his struggles on the mat being significant, they pale in comparison to the turmoil at home. Rick explosively departs and returns, yet his deepest struggle is revealed as a financial one. Lopez portrays Judy as a mother who adores her promising sports prodigy son but is trapped by life’s burdens. Lopez skillfully evokes the mix of exhaustion and determination that Judy experiences, which she musters as an act of love to overcome these hardships. The power of “Unstoppable” lies in its refusal to make triumphing over adversities – whether at home or on the wrestling mat – appear effortless.
The movie isn’t flashy visually, but its simplicity is captivating. The Robles household exudes warmth yet carries a worn-in feel, showing signs of life. Don Cheadle delivers a refined yet understated performance, embodying the grounded coach with a spiritual aura. And there’s an authenticity to Anthony’s ambition. Wrestling isn’t renowned for its financial rewards (except for professional wrestling, which is a different entity altogether). By the end of the film, Anthony competes in the NCAA Champion matches against an invincible opponent, Matt McDonough (Johnni DiJulius), who the movie doesn’t attempt to portray as his own version of Ivan Drago. Even Matt, the tough character, is well-rounded. By the end, if you sense a hint of the genuine “Rocky” spirit, it’s because the film has deservedly earned it.
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2024-09-07 06:47