Search results
Feb 13, 2019 · At times, particularly when the family is in its element at its gym (a.k.a. World Association of Wrestling, a.k.a. W.A.W.), which does double-time as a refuge for young neighborhood strays, the ...
- Stephen Merchant
Feb 14, 2019 · The dream started when she was 10. That’s when young Saraya’s dad caught her and her brother, Zak, wrestling in the living room—and then proceeded to show Zak how to properly choke out his little sister. Yeah, that’s when Saraya Knight knew her life was going to be a bit different from that of most other kids.
- Stephen Merchant
Kids say (20 ): This funny, heartfelt movie represents a huge step up for WWE Studios. To date, World Wrestling Entertainment has mostly been a conveyor belt for violent macho fantasies (The Marine through The Marine 6: Close Quarters) and low-bar humor (Santa's Little Helper, Jingle All the Way 2). Fighting with My Family is something totally ...
- Stephen Merchant
- Michael Ordona
- MGM
Feb 15, 2019 · Yes, while “Fighting with My Family” boasts a guru-presence cameo by Dwayne Johnson, a whole lot of funny talent performing athletic slapstick, and even some laugh-out-loud shade at Vin Diesel, the key to WWE Studios’ best film yet is the co-creator behind shows like “Hello Ladies” and “The Office.”. Merchant’s mind for sharp ...
- A solid addition to the wrestling movie canon.
- Fighting With My Family Gallery
- Verdict
By Rosie Knight
Updated: Feb 22, 2019 11:38 pm
Posted: Feb 22, 2019 10:00 pm
Fighting With My Family is now playing in wide release.
Hollywood wrestling movies usually fall into two categories: the serious drama of The Wrestler and Foxcatcher, or comedy flicks like King of the Ring and Nacho Libre. Stephen Merchant's supremely enjoyable sophomore directorial offering, Fighting With My Family, is somewhere in the middle of both, though it definitely shares more in common with classic sports movies like Rocky and The Karate Kid as it follows the story of real-life wrestler Paige on her journey to becoming the youngest ever WWE Divas Champion.
Though it is a WWE production that stars Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Merchant's is very much a British film. There's something magical about the authenticity and realism that Merchant and his stellar cast--including Nick Frost, Lena Headey, and Florence Pugh, who is brilliant as Saraya A.K.A. Paige--bring to the story of a working class family of wrestlers and their daughter's journey to the big time. It helps that the film is based on a 2012 documentary of the same name which gave an unprecedented look at the family, their struggles, and their success. The docu is a great watch and Merchant's film does it justice whilst adding a little Hollywood sheen on the way.
Where some less involved viewers may lose a little interest is when Saraya heads off to bootcamp to train as part of the next generation of WWE wrestlers. For this non-wrestling fan it was an intriguing and entertaining peek behind the curtain filled with strong women and--after a little tropey catfighting--some solid female friendship. The focus on training-heavy sequences may lose some, though Merchant does a good job of cutting back to the more standard indie dramedy of her family members in Norwich who are dealing with their own problems as they get used to the new status quo. Merchant is excellent at keeping the realities of the family's life at the forefront--Saraya's father (Nick Frost) was a bankrobber and her mother (Lena Headey) is an ex-addict--without ever being judgemental or losing the humor that holds the film together.
If you're a wrestling fanatic, there are plenty of treats for you. That includes a bit part from Johnson, who also exec-produced, as well as cameos from Big Show, and Seamus. (Correction: Thea "Zelina Vega" Trinidad plays AJ Lee, in a recreation of her iconic match with Paige that saw the young British wrestler take the Divas title to become the youngest women's champion in the history of the WWE.) At its heart, Fighting With My Family is a feel-good film and it definitely delivers on that front. Though it does verge on schmaltzy at times, Merchant's dedication to keeping a level of grit and realism, alongside a great cast, makes this a thoroughly enjoyable flick no matter what your interest in The One True Sport.
Fighting With My Family delivers on comedy, action, and a sweet message of acceptance and strength at its core. It might be a bit too wrestling-heavy for some, but the strong cast, interesting real life story, and a magnetic lead mean this black sheep sports story is a feel-good flick with chops that might finally put WWE Studios on the map.
- Rosie Knight
Feb 13, 2019 · Reviews Fighting with My Family Review. A poignant telling of Paige's life story, and the love of all wrestling fans, gives depth to glossy WWE movie Fighting with My Family.
People also ask
Is 'fighting with my family' a good movie?
Who made fighting with my family?
Is fighting with my family based on a true story?
When was Fighting With My Family released?
Who starred in fighting with my family?
Is fighting with my family funny?
Feb 19, 2019 · The Highs, Lows, and Whoas of the 2024 Rock Hall Ceremony; Cinematrix No. 208: October 20, 2024; Love Is Blind’s Alex on the Crucial Tim Convo the Cameras Didn’t Catch; The 12 Best Movies and ...
