Brawler

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source: Brawler

The thing about "Brawler" is this, it desperately wants to be an indie fight movie about two Irish brothers and MMA... But it fails. The actors aren't Irish, the chicks aren't that good looking and New Orleans doesn't make the same energetic backdrop that Boston or New York does in all the other movies that are ultimately just like it, but far superior in execution. Out of the two lead actors you have nothing to like, one is a self righteous jerk that spends the first quarter of the film judging his unruly brother. Who by the way, is a skinny jean wearing pansy with a faux hawk. It's so hard to take any of what you're seeing seriously that by the time it does get to the fights you're drenched, marinated in the silliness of the experience and your jaded eyes can't help but see them for what they are, cinematic trash, just like the rest of the movie. If you want to see a good fight movie about two brothers with "issues", check out Warrior, if you've already seen it, watch it again before you waste your time with this garbage. Just because something is "indie" doesn't mean it's great and defending it or acting like it's something it's not just makes you a fool with low standards. These are of course just my opinions, if they smack to you as being overly critical then ignore them and torture yourself by sitting all the way through this pile of drek.

Rough'n'tumble brawler Charlie Fontaine (a solid performance by Nathan Grubbs) catches his cocky and reckless younger brother Bobby (a sturdy portrayal by Marc Senter) cheating with his wife Kat (an appealing turn by Pell James) behind his back. Charlie decides to get revenge on Bobby by fighting him in a vicious underground fight club type match on a riverboat. Writer/director Chris Sivertson relates the involving story at a constant pace, maintains a tough gritty tone throughout, offers a flavorsome evocation of both the New Orleans setting and the sordid criminal milieu, and takes time to develop the characters. Moreover, there are sound supporting contributions from Michael Bowen as hard-nosed trainer Rex Baker, Dane Rhodes as cagey promoter Bruce Atwater, Brian Stapf as the menacing Walter, and Bryan Batt as the flamboyant Fat Chucky. The heated conflict between the two radically contrasting siblings gives this film an extra potent emotional punch. The climatic fight is super brutal and intense. Zoran Popovic's lively cinematography provides an invigorating electric energy. Tim Rutili's rollicking score hits the rousing spot. Worth a watch.

This film is absolutely awful! The production quality is really crappy, the acting is terrible, the dialogue is tedious. It is generally all round poor and there is nothing about it at all that should make you waste 1 second of your life watching this film. I gave up about 30 minutes in just because I wanted to give it a chance, I wanted to turn it off after 10. However Bob Dobbs review is brilliant and his recommendation to watch The Battery is the only decent thing that Brawler has added to my life. The Battery is equally low budget and obviously isn't a blockbuster or high quality film. However it is really entertaining and interesting to watch. And compared to Brawler it is like a multi-Oscar winning film.

This film is not in the same league as Warrior (2011), however if you like never back down, rocky or any JcVD film there is no reason that you will not enjoy this film. People who are looking for an artistic film are looking in the wrong place, this is simply a fighting film so look else where. Yes the acting isn't the best, however it really isn't as bad as some people make out. The directing and camera work are very good and there should be no complaints The fight scenes are pretty enjoyable and accurate, proper MMA quick and sharp movements.

Clearly BigDick and Bobb are internet trolls that are wasting screen space, and they more than likely haven't even seen this film. I'd suggest their "reviews" be reported, and their "opinions" ignored. I'd also suggest seeing this film for the extremely impressive MMA fighting and stunts alone, which were in fact performed by the actors themselves. Quite a commitment to a role, I'd say. Brian Batt makes a significant contribution to the film's already high talent base -- always great to see him. In addition, the cinematography is outstanding, the acting solid (Marc Senter is actually brilliant, as usual), and you'll certainly never think of mint juleps in the same way again...

All those involved, from the cast to the DP, director, producer, you name it...they all deserve applause and accolades. This movie tickles you, then pulls you in, then doesn't let you go. Hot fights, subtle undertones, worthy dialog and drama....I give it two thumbs up. There are nice long juicy moments that give the audience credit for having a brain. There are fast paced, hand held, fight scenes that will have you flinching involuntarily. There is brother to brother tension that explodes off the screen, and the girl in the middle...well, along with everyone else involved, she knocks it outta the park. If you liked "The Lost"...if you liked "Fight Club"....if you liked "Snatch"....if you like powerful cinema....you'll like this movie. Kevin Giffin

Brawler