UNSTOPPABLE

(director: William Goldenberg; screenwriters: John Hindman, Eric Champnella, Alex Harris; cinematographer: Salvatore Totino; editor: Brett M. Reed; music: Alexandre Desplat; cast: Jharrel Jerome (Anthony Robles), Jennifer Lopez (Judy), Bobby Cannavale (Rick), Don Cheadle (Coach Shawn Charles), Michael Peña (Coach Bobby Williams); Runtime: 116; MPAA Rating: PG-13; producers: Anthony Robles, Gary Lewis, David Crockett, Andy Fraser, Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas; Amazon MGM Studios; 2024)

“Failed to pin me down.”

Reviewed by Dennis Schwartz

First time director William Goldenberg. the former editor, and writers John Hindman, Eric Champnella, and Alex Harris present this bland, feel-good, routine sports drama about a remarkable true story on perseverance. Anthony Robles (Jharrel Jerome) is born with just one leg but refuses to give up on his dream to be a wrestler and goes on to become an NCAA champion wrestler.

Anthony gets support from his high school coach (Michael Peña) and his impoverished mum (Jennifer Lopez). In need of a college scholarship, he competes for a spot at Arizona State, and under the eye of another caring but tough coach (Don Cheadle), while trying to keep his family together and at the mercy of an abusive stepfather (Bobby Cannavale), until he finds success.

It’s a cheesy and manipulative Rocky-themed sports story, that’s flatly executed with no frills. For those who like films that are crowd-pleasing and not challenging, this might be the film for you. On the positive side, Jharrel Jerome gives a solid performance in a film that failed to pin me down.

 It played at the Toronto Film Festival.

REVIEWED ON 9/19/2024  GRADE: C+
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