FIGHTING WITH MY FAMILY
4/5 Stars
Based upon the life of professional WWE wrestler Paige, inspired by the 2012 documentary of the same name, Fighting With My Family is only the biographical sports comedy-drama everyone’s been looking forward to and one that packs more than a punch.
Written and directed by Stephen Merchant (the original version of The Office) and featuring an excellent lead performance from relatively unknown British actress Florence Pugh, Nick Frost, Game of Thrones’ Lena Headey, Jack Lowden (Dunkirk) and Vince Vaughn round out an impressive cast that also includes Dwayne Johnson’s best role in years, playing himself in a film full of heart, laughs and a lot of fun.
Born into a wrestling loving family with a father, mother and older brother who all compete in their locally owned and run wrestling enterprise dubbed the “World Association of Wrestling”,
18 year old Norwich teen Paige is given the opportunity of a lifetime when she’s asked to try out for the WWE. Earning a spot and forced to leave her small town and family behind as she embarks on a competitive training program across the United States, Paige’s journey to prove to the world what makes her different and why she deserves a shot at the title will push her further than she ever could have imagined.
With Pugh knocking her way out of the unknowns to become an actress we’ll soon see a lot more of and the always welcome Frost bringing his signature likability to the role of pro wrestler aka Paige’s Dad Ricky Knight, Vaughn’s portrayal of a hard-as-nails American wrestling coach is worth a mention.
A celebration of wrestling that’ll leave diehard fans cheering and the not so acquainted equally impressed, this feel-good story of doing whatever it takes to pursue your passions in life defies sporting film cliches with wit and an excellent execution of humour, andreminds us all the importance of family and the bond that unites us.
One of the best films 2019 has produced thus far, don’t miss this one. It’s time to step in the ring.
US
5/5 Stars
Written, produced and directed by Get Out’s Academy Award winning filmmaker Jordan Peele in his follow-up to that extraordinary 2017 hit film, Us is the long awaited and eerily creepy horror film starring Lupita Nyong’o and Winston Duke as a couple with two young children who are mysteriously confronted by their identical doppelgängers.
Featuring another excellent screenplay, a brilliant musical score and outstanding performances, Peele proves Get Out was no mistake with another crafted film brimming with mystery and terror, inventive ambition and surprises.
Haunted by unexplainable trauma from her childhood intensified by continuous coincidences, Adelaide Wilson (Nyong’o) becomes paranoid as she grows increasingly certain something very bad is about to happen to her and her family.
After spending a day at a familiar beach whilst on holiday, night falls and the Wilson family discover four figures holding hands in their driveway.
With the intruders refusing to leave despite Gabe’s (Duke) best efforts, a terrifying reality begins to rear its head when the figures reveal themselves as identical copies of their targets. Pitting an American family against sinister versions of themselves, your worst enemy being yourself, never made more sense.
All portraying dual roles with the young children actors especially impressive, the insanely creative and urgent pace set help Nyong’o make her case for another Oscar with a performance many are rightfully calling exceptional.
The product of a thoughtful and imaginative filmmaker who knows exactly the type of film he wants to make, Peele mixes visuals and symbolism hand in hand just as he did the last time, that upon re-viewing will have you picking up on things missed the first time round.
This is a film with the ability to linger with you long after. Instantly sparking conversation among those who have witnessed it, calling this the best of 2019 is certainly too early, but as for right now, it definitely is.Jordan Peele’s new nightmare awaits.
