"Fighting" has one of the best fight scenes ever with world champion kick boxer Cung Le as Dragon Le, the Chinese triad fighter, and Channing Tatum's Shawn MacArthur. This fight is spectacular in its brutality and graphic realism—we can almost feel the blows. Le's Dragon is a devastating martial artist, lightening quick and powerful. Tatum's Shawn is the smart street fighter with amazing grappling and close in brawling skills. Fight coordinator Mike Gunther expertly merges classic martial arts and street fighting. Ultimately, fights are determined upon sheer will.
Like most of director and writer Dito Montiel's "Fighting", the movie is stark, uncompromising, and about force of will. Channing Tatum, a trained martial artist himself, is believable as Shawn, who prevails on sheer force of will. Tatum is strong, charismatic, and is going to be a big star. Dito and co-writer Robert Munic's story of the underground fight scene in New York has been done before, but their take is gritty with a distinct appeal. And like most fight movies, "Fighting" succumbs to "Rocky" formula. However, with Tatum and Terrance Howard as scam artist Harvey Boarden, this rites of passage and redemption tale works with its distinct charm. The story itself is far from perfect. The opening scene when we are first introduced to Shawn's fighter prowess has a goofy effect, in that we are aware of an eventual betrayal that the Shawn is not.
Despite all this "Fighting" works, because of the engaging Tatum. Tatum plays Shawn MacArthur, who gets by on the streets of New York selling counterfeit merchandise. After taking notice of his natural fighting skills, con artist Harvey Boarden (Howard) asks him if he would like to make $5000 in the underground fight circuit. Eventually, Shawn realizes that this is his only shot. Harvey introduces Shawn to fight organizer Mr. Anthony (darkly slick Anthony DeSando). Shawn surprises Anthony and his men as he wins his qualifying match. Shawn becomes a rising celebrity on the fight circuit. Shawn pursues beautiful single mom Zulay (captivating Zulay Henao), who is bartender at one of the night clubs. Life is looking up for Shawn: he is making money and getting the girl of his dreams.
Predictably Shawn's shrouded past soon catches up with him regarding his estranged wrestling coach father back in Birmingham, Alabama. Another person from his past recognizes him, champion mixed martial arts fighter Evan Hailey (brash and dangerous Brian White). Both have unfinished business with each other.
Eventually, it all comes down to a $100,000 fight that Harvey brokers for Shawn. Shawn realizes that he has been betrayed by those closest to him. And now Harvey asks him to do the unthinkable. Here Tatum is amazing in his vulnerability as his Shawn knows he is a tool, "You don't think I understand that I'm nothing. I'm nothing… I don't wanna lose." Tatum embodies Shawn honor and understated strength, as we cheer for his redemption. Howard is strong as Shawn's duplicitous partner. Really it is Channing Tatum's star turn that fuels and powers "Fighting". "Fighting" is surprisingly satisfying and worth a watch.
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