As someone who’s spent countless hours watching sports underdog stories, I can confidently say that Anthony Robles’ tale is one for the books. The real-life triumph of a one-legged NCAA wrestling champion is as inspiring as it gets, and Unstoppable, directed by William Goldenberg, aims to bring this story to the big screen.
As someone who appreciates heartwarming stories, I can’t help but be drawn to captivating underdog tales in the world of sports. Even though I’ve never stepped foot on a football field, the movie “Rudy” manages to stir a desire within me to accomplish the seemingly impossible. The true story of Anthony Robles is nothing short of astonishing, and William Goldenberg’s film “Unstoppable” aims to share this incredible journey with you. Born with only one leg, Anthony defied expectations by becoming the 2011 NCAA wrestling champion in the 125-pound division, completing a perfect 36-0 undefeated season. This is a tale of triumphing over adversity that feels perfectly at home in the limelight of the big screen, and it’s sure to stand alongside other great sports dramas in the years to come.
Although “Unstoppable” delivers a compelling narrative, one potential drawback is that it feels quite similar to other movies in the genre. The central story revolves around Anthony, but there are opportunities to explore the depths of other characters within this tale. It seems as though the film follows a formula, checking off elements to ensure it remains an inspiring story, and while it succeeds in this regard, “Unstoppable” never manages to establish its unique identity and complexity.
Nothing Will Stand in the Way of Jharrel Jerome
The story of Anthony (Jerome) unfolds post-high school, where he’s demonstrated extraordinary athletic abilities despite being overlooked by numerous colleges. Iowa University, a wrestling powerhouse, is his dream destination. Yet, both Iowa and other institutions turn a blind eye to him due to his disability. Drexel University, however, extends a full-scholarship offer, which appears timely for Anthony’s financially strained family. Nevertheless, Anthony aspires to compete at the pinnacle of his sport, often implying he must tread through the toughest challenges.
In my opinion, any sports biopic requiring a compelling lead actor is truly incomplete without someone like Jharrel Jerome. He embodies grit, determination, and a deep sense of humanity when portraying Robles, making the character resonate with viewers. His performance in “When They See Us” (and the less-acknowledged “I’m a Virgo”) showcases the raw emotion in his eyes and voice, as well as the subtly powerful facial expressions that truly bring the characters to life.
Eric Champnella, Alex Harris, and John Hindman formed the core group responsible for shaping the narrative structure that underpins the movie “Unstoppable“. As Anthony climbs steadily towards greatness, every other character (including the supporting cast) harmoniously contributes to reinforce this central theme, much like a celestial body orbiting around a massive planet. Although we can empathize with his journey and often find ourselves captivated by its brilliance, the film sometimes overshadows the people surrounding it due to its need to adhere to certain plot points.
The Supporting Characters & Conflicts Lack Depth
One of Anthony’s most ardent advocates is his mom, Judy (Jennifer Lopez), and the movie Unstoppable vividly portrays this relationship at its start and finish. Lopez skillfully depicts a parent who yearns for her children’s success while navigating through the turmoil of an unstable home environment. Bobby Cannavale enters as Anthony’s domestic rival and stepfather, Rich. He is a police officer with a penchant for abusing power and frequently belittles Anthony’s aspirations whenever he gets the chance.
As a die-hard movie enthusiast, I found myself drawn into a fascinating narrative where the film aimed to depict the relentless tension between Rich and Anthony. Poor Judy seemed stuck in the crossfire, entangled with Anthony’s younger siblings. In the gripping drama Unstoppable, this conflict and others didn’t seem to align neatly with the primary storyline. Rather, they aimed to evoke various emotions and provide motivations for Judy’s character, but unfortunately, these developments came too late in the game, leaving her character arc feeling underdeveloped and incomplete.
Unstoppable Wins the Easy Way
Goldenberg skillfully enhances the wrestling scenes with cinematographer Salvatore Totino, giving them a thrilling, technical intensity that keeps each moment impactful. Michael Peña and Don Cheadle convincingly portray the typical high school and college coaches, offering valuable guidance to Anthony throughout his journey. By the climactic championship match, Unstoppable truly shines, capturing the crowd-pleasing moment where self-determination overpowers seemingly insurmountable odds.
As a die-hard fan, I must confess that this movie is certainly going to draw in a crowd, and rightfully so! The storyline is so captivating that it’s hard not to be overjoyed by it. However, while the elements were all there for a truly unique experience, the predictable path taken falls short of the grand slam it could have been. Produced by Artists Equity and Nuyorican Productions, “Unstoppable” is set to premiere on December 6, 2024, courtesy of Amazon MGM Studios.
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2024-11-05 17:02