‘Queen of the Ring’s’ Flaws Are Its Heel Turn

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Underdog stories run in the family.

Director John Avildsen is known for creating “The Karate Kid” (1984) and “Rocky” (1976). Now, his son Ash Avildsen is set to portray legendary wrestler Mildred Burke’s life on the big screen through the film titled “Queen of the Ring.

It’s clear Pappy worked at a higher cinematic level.

In a lively and engaging manner, “Ring” (character) shows great determination, and it’s hard not to cheer on Mildred for her courage. As portrayed by Emily Bett Rickards, she is like a powerful force of nature who challenges the Patriarchy with every muscle flex.

Outside the ring, this “Queen” stumbles.

Mildred, Rickards’ daughter, currently works at her mom’s restaurant, yearning for more. A chance encounter with a live wrestling event ignites her passion. Determined to the core, she sets her sights on achieving the title of a successful female wrestler, leaving no stone unturned in her pursuit.

In many states during the 1940s, it wasn’t just one issue, there were several, but one particularly noteworthy one: women’s wrestling was prohibited by law.

Unfazed, Mildred forms an alliance with ex-wrestler-turned-promoter Billy Wolfe (portrayed well by Josh Lucas). Together, they seek to revolutionize the wrestling world. However, their relationship becomes intricate rather swiftly. He exhibits a mix of compassion and aloofness, viewing Mildred as his ticket to success and prosperity.

Lucas’ character, Billy Wolfe, can be seen as a cunning or manipulative type. He’s a reflection of his era, always seeking to exploit opportunities in order to endure.

Mildred yearns for sufficient funds to assist her in bringing up her little boy. Eventually, she discovers that the journey she’s embarking on is not just about her personal needs.

The tone of “Queen of the Ring” leans toward theatricality, and its dialogue is filled with phrases like “you’re doing great!” This isn’t inherently problematic considering Mildred’s narrative and the relevant culture. However, this style can somewhat diminish the significance of her accomplishments.

In the script, there appears a potentially impactful quote regarding women’s prospects during that time. It suggests they could either work as cooks (slang for “slinging hash”) or engage in combative situations with other women, both of which would earn them money.

The screenplay contains a strong statement about the opportunities open to women in that period. It implies they could choose between serving food (as if “slanging hash”) or engaging in physical conflicts with other women, both of which would bring remuneration.

Cute line … why replay it?

The script is so on the nose it’s like a professional wrestling match. That’s not a compliment.

It’d be intriguing to uncover additional insider information about the contests, the tactics designed to provoke genuine aggression, and other captivating aspects of this sport.

In a more relaxed and conversational style, one could say: It seems that the movie creators neglected to fully explore Mildred’s relationship with Tyler Posey’s character, which feels like a lost chance for a meaningful connection. This relationship, particularly when Mildred’s romantic feelings emerge, is often underdeveloped at crucial moments, leaving us wondering why “Queen” didn’t delve deeper into this aspect of the story.

The chance encounter you let slip away doesn’t stand alone. The movie’s disorganized plotline makes it challenging to follow even straightforward narrative paths. Walton Goggins appears sporadically throughout the story, portraying a more compassionate promoter, yet his performance fails to match the impact we typically associate with him.

The movie struggles to portray the race issues within the sport, focusing on a group of three black female wrestlers. Although it’s an interesting angle, the actresses don’t get adequate screen time or dialogues, which diminishes their impact.

As a devoted film enthusiast who appreciates a good wrestling biopic, I’ve often found myself disappointed by productions like “Iron Claw.” The inherent fiction in the sport is hard to ignore and can sometimes overshadow the true narrative. However, the movie “Shooting for Reality” does an excellent job of bridging this gap by incorporating authentic wrestling matches, where the raw emotion and unpredictability of real-life competition takes precedence over the predetermined outcomes typically seen in scripted scenes.

That’s a fascinating nugget worthy of more screen time.

As a devoted cinephile, I must say, this movie, despite being made on what seems like a modest budget, truly leveraged its resources to their full potential. From the classic cars to the meticulously staged period reenactments, every scene felt authentic, never veering into the realm of falsehood. The filmmaker’s ability to transport us back in time is nothing short of remarkable and immersive.

Similarly to Rickards, she goes beyond merely embodying the legendary wrestler’s appearance. She deeply immerses herself in the character, recognizing its cultural significance. Her performance seems to compel viewers to join Mildred on her journey.

Resistance is futile.

The fact that the problematic movie even exists showcases Hollywood’s significant influence on global culture. It’s high time for Mildred’s life tale to reach a broader audience. Thanks to Rickards and the “Queen” crew, this may very well become a reality.

Title or Not: “Queen of the Ring” evokes a powerful episode in women’s athletics, however, the narrative doesn’t possess the same gritty quality as the legendary wrestler portrayed.

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2025-03-06 19:03