The low critics are coming from the wrong audience, who expected a fight movie with a lot of action. this is a well acted drama, the title 'fighting' is about the fights of life everybody has to struggle with. fight scenes all in all not more than 8 minutes. the dialogues and the situations are very realistic, so that people who have been in similar situation and trying to survive in the streets will appreciate this movie.
106 Reviews
Delivers with intentions
Floated28 September 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Fighting offers a very little actual plot here, besides the contrived narrative that strings together the various fight sequences. It's so forced and implausible that we're never drawn into the story at all. Each fight is in a distinct setting, and each has its own painful brutality to it. Alas, the climactic rooftop showdown is rather dull; much better is the marble hallway brawl against a kinetic Asian opponent . he has four fights throughout the entire film which is not many considering that the title is called "Fighting". Though some were pretty good it wasn't that good. The last fight was the best and had the most point and story.
The best thing about the film is Tatum's interaction with Howard, who offers a full-on, layered performance that actually makes the whole film worth seeing. The heart of the film is the relationship between these two men, but the script seems afraid to explore it in any real depth. Instead, it tilts toward the unconvincing romance between Shawn and Zulay. As noted by others, the acting is pretty bad and the dialogue doesn't help much either. The film was also very predictable through.
Also the characters ween't very developed at all. We barely know anything about the main characters. For the majority of the film, the only thing we know about Shawn's past is that he left Birmingham to escape Daddy issues, but there's so little depth to the character otherwise. We learn the most about Shawn when he runs into Evan Bailey (Brian White), an arrogant acquaintance from his past, and you can immediately figure out where things are going to go, confirmed 45 minutes later after that initial meeting with the revelation that Evan is an extreme fighter,. We also don't know much about Harvey. At first it seemed like he was a bad guy and wanting to scam Shawn but throughout the film he seems to be on his side. ============ As a rewatch (06/20/18'), Fighting is a certain film with more depth as it grows. Upon initial watch, opinions have changed over the years. The film is more so a slow based drama than a strictly fighting film, which is a main reason for panning from critics and fans. Rating changed from 3 to 7. Recommend for fans willing to give the film another chance. Although with its flaws, the film has a steady pace and grows upon several watches.
The best thing about the film is Tatum's interaction with Howard, who offers a full-on, layered performance that actually makes the whole film worth seeing. The heart of the film is the relationship between these two men, but the script seems afraid to explore it in any real depth. Instead, it tilts toward the unconvincing romance between Shawn and Zulay. As noted by others, the acting is pretty bad and the dialogue doesn't help much either. The film was also very predictable through.
Also the characters ween't very developed at all. We barely know anything about the main characters. For the majority of the film, the only thing we know about Shawn's past is that he left Birmingham to escape Daddy issues, but there's so little depth to the character otherwise. We learn the most about Shawn when he runs into Evan Bailey (Brian White), an arrogant acquaintance from his past, and you can immediately figure out where things are going to go, confirmed 45 minutes later after that initial meeting with the revelation that Evan is an extreme fighter,. We also don't know much about Harvey. At first it seemed like he was a bad guy and wanting to scam Shawn but throughout the film he seems to be on his side. ============ As a rewatch (06/20/18'), Fighting is a certain film with more depth as it grows. Upon initial watch, opinions have changed over the years. The film is more so a slow based drama than a strictly fighting film, which is a main reason for panning from critics and fans. Rating changed from 3 to 7. Recommend for fans willing to give the film another chance. Although with its flaws, the film has a steady pace and grows upon several watches.
The fight club
jotix10027 December 2009
Warning: Spoilers
A young street vendor on 6th Avenue has a run in with some street punks. Little do these scum bags know who they're messing with. Shawn MacArthur is a Southern boy now making New York his home; he is trying to make a living. Unknown to him, the tough guys are connected with a hustler, Harvey Boarden, who likes to think of himself as a fight promoter. Boarden likes to discover talented young men that are willing to fight other young men. The main objective for the fights is the money that can be made because, although illegal, these matches attract high betting people.
Shawn agrees to fight for Harvey. He proves he is someone to be reckoned with. He falls for a young Hispanic girl, Zulay, working in a club where the fighting crowd hangs out. At the club Shawn also meets Evan Hailey, who knows him from his Alabama youth. It appears Shawn's father was a fighting coach who trained him, as well as Evan, who is also making a name for himself in the illegal fighting area. Shawn and Evan are connected to a big fight with a large purse. Harvey figures that by betting against Shawn he will stand to make a bundle. Zulay, the girl that places the bets for Harvey, has another thing in mind. In an ironic twist, Shawn and Zulay show the world they were a winning combination all along, to Harvey's surprise.
We watched this film on the basis of having seen director Dito Montiel's previous movie, "A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints", which also featured Channing Tatum, the star of this new picture. Mr. Montiel also co-wrote the screenplay with Robert Munic, a man that has worked on television. The film has surprises for viewers that go into without any expectations. "Fighting" shows another side of New York not often seen, like the illegal fighting, and the locations in which Stefan Czapsky captures locations most people never get to see.
Channing Tatum makes a credible fighter. He is a young actor with a lot of promise, as shown here. The excellent Terrence Howard, one of the best actors of his generation working in movies, impresses with his take of Harvey Boarden. Beautiful Zulay Henao is the love interest of Shawn. Luis Guzman doesn't have much to do. Altagracia Guzman, who was the grandmother in "Raising Ramon Vargas", has a few delightful scenes as Zulay's grandma.
"Fighting" was a surprise thanks to Dito Montiel's vision.
Shawn agrees to fight for Harvey. He proves he is someone to be reckoned with. He falls for a young Hispanic girl, Zulay, working in a club where the fighting crowd hangs out. At the club Shawn also meets Evan Hailey, who knows him from his Alabama youth. It appears Shawn's father was a fighting coach who trained him, as well as Evan, who is also making a name for himself in the illegal fighting area. Shawn and Evan are connected to a big fight with a large purse. Harvey figures that by betting against Shawn he will stand to make a bundle. Zulay, the girl that places the bets for Harvey, has another thing in mind. In an ironic twist, Shawn and Zulay show the world they were a winning combination all along, to Harvey's surprise.
We watched this film on the basis of having seen director Dito Montiel's previous movie, "A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints", which also featured Channing Tatum, the star of this new picture. Mr. Montiel also co-wrote the screenplay with Robert Munic, a man that has worked on television. The film has surprises for viewers that go into without any expectations. "Fighting" shows another side of New York not often seen, like the illegal fighting, and the locations in which Stefan Czapsky captures locations most people never get to see.
Channing Tatum makes a credible fighter. He is a young actor with a lot of promise, as shown here. The excellent Terrence Howard, one of the best actors of his generation working in movies, impresses with his take of Harvey Boarden. Beautiful Zulay Henao is the love interest of Shawn. Luis Guzman doesn't have much to do. Altagracia Guzman, who was the grandmother in "Raising Ramon Vargas", has a few delightful scenes as Zulay's grandma.
"Fighting" was a surprise thanks to Dito Montiel's vision.
New York City!
dave-sturm25 April 2009
Warning: Spoilers
*possible spoilers* This is about as intense a street-level view of the crummier parts of New York City as you're ever going to get. The helicopter shots are stunning as well. At ground level, some set pieces really put you there, including an opening street brawl in front of Radio City Music Hall. This is Gotham as tourists seldom see -- tacky shops, low rent hotels, cheesy diners, crowded side streets with that only-in-New-York jumble of signage.
This movie really likes the faces of tough girls. The tracking shot as our fight team enters a convenience store in the Bronx, where the second fight is about to happen, shows women who look ready to cut your throat. In fact, props to whoever was in charge of casting and wardrobe for the whole Bronx sequence.
The third fight, staged in what looks like a palace for an audience of rich Chinese, pits our Shawn against a martial arts guy. This fight builds to a slow climax with the martial arts guy's legs wrapped around Shawn's neck. As the audience realized what was going to happen, you could hear a collective intake of breath, followed by a loud "Wow!" I liked it that the fight audiences are standing right next to the fighters, crowding in and even touching them.
Make no mistake, this is a B movie. Standard acting. The bad guys all sneer outrageously. The fighters endure punishment no one really could. The love subplot is off the shelf. Luis Guzman scowls right up until the end, when his big smile is even more disturbing than his scowl. A few implausibilities, such as the two main fight rivals in NYC happening to also have been wrestling rivals at an Alabama high school.
This movie unmistakeably borrows some elements from "Midnight Cowboy." Although there is a gun scene, not one person gets shot.
The ending twist is pulled off well (fooled me).
This movie really likes the faces of tough girls. The tracking shot as our fight team enters a convenience store in the Bronx, where the second fight is about to happen, shows women who look ready to cut your throat. In fact, props to whoever was in charge of casting and wardrobe for the whole Bronx sequence.
The third fight, staged in what looks like a palace for an audience of rich Chinese, pits our Shawn against a martial arts guy. This fight builds to a slow climax with the martial arts guy's legs wrapped around Shawn's neck. As the audience realized what was going to happen, you could hear a collective intake of breath, followed by a loud "Wow!" I liked it that the fight audiences are standing right next to the fighters, crowding in and even touching them.
Make no mistake, this is a B movie. Standard acting. The bad guys all sneer outrageously. The fighters endure punishment no one really could. The love subplot is off the shelf. Luis Guzman scowls right up until the end, when his big smile is even more disturbing than his scowl. A few implausibilities, such as the two main fight rivals in NYC happening to also have been wrestling rivals at an Alabama high school.
This movie unmistakeably borrows some elements from "Midnight Cowboy." Although there is a gun scene, not one person gets shot.
The ending twist is pulled off well (fooled me).
Why is everyone hating this film?
logue_seanp28 May 2009
Why does everyone hate this film? Because Channing Tatum gets his shirt off? Big deal, so did Bruce Lee, Van Damme Gerard Butler, plenty of films or actors get their shirt off. Its easier to fight without one. The Fights? Seemed pretty realistic to me but then obvi most of you have been involved in a street fight...no? The dialogue? Best thing about this film was Montiels dialogue and direction, his shots his style, it's great and the dialogue was natural, it had nothing to do with the plot it was just banter and mumbling and thats what real people talk like. Yeh it was predictable (would you rather a different ending?!). Terence Howard was awesome as well as Channing Tatum. I think some of you people need to try making a film before you diss someone else's. I've made feature films, I know how hard it is.
Where is Van Damme's "story by" credit?
McNigel26 April 2009
Warning: Spoilers
Jean Claude Van Damme wrote and stared in this movie in 1990 when it was called Lionheart. His version was better.
In the original film - Lyon, played by JCVD, is down on his luck and comes across Joshua, a two-bit hustler/ fight promoter. They team up and make a splash in the underground, no holds barred fight circuit. In the end, Lyon must face Atilla and Joshua bets all of their money on Atilla to win! Lyon famously tells him "wrong bet" and goes on to defeat his foe.
In the new version - Shawn, played by Channing Tattum, is down on his luck and comes across Harvey, a two-bit hustler/ fight promoter. They team up and make a splash in the underground, no holds barred fight circuit. In the end, Shawn must face Evan and Harvey bets all of their money on Evan to win! I won't spoil it and tell you who wins in the new version.
In the original film - Lyon, played by JCVD, is down on his luck and comes across Joshua, a two-bit hustler/ fight promoter. They team up and make a splash in the underground, no holds barred fight circuit. In the end, Lyon must face Atilla and Joshua bets all of their money on Atilla to win! Lyon famously tells him "wrong bet" and goes on to defeat his foe.
In the new version - Shawn, played by Channing Tattum, is down on his luck and comes across Harvey, a two-bit hustler/ fight promoter. They team up and make a splash in the underground, no holds barred fight circuit. In the end, Shawn must face Evan and Harvey bets all of their money on Evan to win! I won't spoil it and tell you who wins in the new version.
Exciting film full of brawls by fierce bare-knuckled combats staged in N.Y streets
ma-cortes27 March 2011
This thrilling movie deals with a tight-lipped hunk who is introduced to the world of underground street fierce brawling by a seasoned scam artist, who becomes his manager . In New York City, a young counterfeiter named Shawn McArthur (Channing Tatum) tries to come up with a way to get enough money to live . The desperate young knocks several robbers when they attempt to rob him some goods. After that he comes into contact with street-fight promoter , a hustler named Harvey (Terrence Howard). Shawn teams up with the organizer of no-holds-barred bare-knuckle fights that secretly entertain the wealthy across the streets and slums of N.Y.C. and links Shawn up with Martinez (Luis Guzman). Shawn is soon fighting various contenders -ranging from a Harlem bouncing to an Oriental fighter - earning money to help keep his new sweetheart (Zulay Enao) who comes to love him . Shawn decides that he has something worth brawling for and sets everything on the line to vanquish . Although Shawn only wants to bash opponents long enough to gain enough money to assist his girlfriend, he is reluctant to let tricks in combats on the fighting circuit .Every knock-out brings him closer to the existence he's always wished , but also carries him in a deadly cobweb he can't getaway.
The picture contains drama ,thrills , and lots of violent brawls plenty of punch , kicks, and knockouts. Acceptable performance from Channing Tatum as impulsive young becoming a professional street-fighter and battling a variety of contenders , plus Zulay Enao gives a surprisingly good acting as his gorgeous love interest and special mention to Terrence Howard as the sharpster who arranges his bare-knuckled bouts . The picture belongs to sub-genre about street combats as ¨Lionheart¨ with Jean Claude Van Damme and whose maxim representation turns out to be the classic ¨Hard times¨ by Walter Hill with Charles Bronson and James Coburn . It's a colorful but violent entertainment that results to be the second film of his director Dito Montiel. His first movie was the dramatic ¨Guide to recognizing the saints ¨and in preparation ¨The son of no one¨ also with Channing Tatum and Al Pacino . Rating : passable , only for those who like films in which fist-play are staged ad nauseam .
The picture contains drama ,thrills , and lots of violent brawls plenty of punch , kicks, and knockouts. Acceptable performance from Channing Tatum as impulsive young becoming a professional street-fighter and battling a variety of contenders , plus Zulay Enao gives a surprisingly good acting as his gorgeous love interest and special mention to Terrence Howard as the sharpster who arranges his bare-knuckled bouts . The picture belongs to sub-genre about street combats as ¨Lionheart¨ with Jean Claude Van Damme and whose maxim representation turns out to be the classic ¨Hard times¨ by Walter Hill with Charles Bronson and James Coburn . It's a colorful but violent entertainment that results to be the second film of his director Dito Montiel. His first movie was the dramatic ¨Guide to recognizing the saints ¨and in preparation ¨The son of no one¨ also with Channing Tatum and Al Pacino . Rating : passable , only for those who like films in which fist-play are staged ad nauseam .
Fighting leaves you battered, bruised and bored!
the_rattlesnake2518 May 2009
Dito Montiel's film has been advertised as the 'Rocky of our generation', however I do believe they were referring to the fifth film in the Rocky franchise. Predictable, boring, tedious, lifeless are just a few words I could use to describe this film, but I really only need to use one; terrible.
Shawn MacArthur (Channing Tatum) is your typical working-class boy who is taken under the wing of an ageing con-man named Harvey (Terrence Howard) and given the opportunity to make his American dream come true by participating in various back-room bare-knuckle fights. Oh, and the stereotypical love-interest in the form Zulay (Zulay Henao) is also thrown into the mix. Now, despite this description describing various films from the last few years (never mind the last few decades), it contains three huge, jaw-shattering constraints: 1) Despite being named Fighting, the film ironically contains very little fighting or brawling in regards to its hundred-minute running time. And when we do get to see some face-bruising action, the Director seems to get incredibly giddy with the camera and what we are left with is some Paul Greengrass jerkiness that allows you to observe very little especially when the camera is thrown into the heart of the action.
2) Terrence Howard puts a little effort into his character and drags out a performance worthy of a film better than this, however Channing Tatum does not follow his lead. His stony expression and Brando-style mumbling is just plain annoying and unconvincing, yet he is the lead protagonist at the forefront of the film, and his performance drags the film down considerably.
3) Finally, Munic and Montiel's script has about as much weight as a feather and as punch as a fighter out-cold on the mat. We learn little about the characters until late into the film when there life stories seem to just be thrown around quickly to fill various plot-holes. While, the majority of the dialogue is just clichéd and cringe-worthy, most notably a scene at the end of the film that precedes the final fight sequence, which can only be described as hilariously idiotic.
Fighting is crime against cinema. It is a film which gives the audience absolutely nothing, yet takes from them their hard-earned cash in the form of their admittance fee. The only reason I can think why this film was distributed to theatres instead of being a straight-to-DVD affair, is down to the influence of having a star like Terrence Howard in the picture. Don't waste your time or money on this abomination.
Shawn MacArthur (Channing Tatum) is your typical working-class boy who is taken under the wing of an ageing con-man named Harvey (Terrence Howard) and given the opportunity to make his American dream come true by participating in various back-room bare-knuckle fights. Oh, and the stereotypical love-interest in the form Zulay (Zulay Henao) is also thrown into the mix. Now, despite this description describing various films from the last few years (never mind the last few decades), it contains three huge, jaw-shattering constraints: 1) Despite being named Fighting, the film ironically contains very little fighting or brawling in regards to its hundred-minute running time. And when we do get to see some face-bruising action, the Director seems to get incredibly giddy with the camera and what we are left with is some Paul Greengrass jerkiness that allows you to observe very little especially when the camera is thrown into the heart of the action.
2) Terrence Howard puts a little effort into his character and drags out a performance worthy of a film better than this, however Channing Tatum does not follow his lead. His stony expression and Brando-style mumbling is just plain annoying and unconvincing, yet he is the lead protagonist at the forefront of the film, and his performance drags the film down considerably.
3) Finally, Munic and Montiel's script has about as much weight as a feather and as punch as a fighter out-cold on the mat. We learn little about the characters until late into the film when there life stories seem to just be thrown around quickly to fill various plot-holes. While, the majority of the dialogue is just clichéd and cringe-worthy, most notably a scene at the end of the film that precedes the final fight sequence, which can only be described as hilariously idiotic.
Fighting is crime against cinema. It is a film which gives the audience absolutely nothing, yet takes from them their hard-earned cash in the form of their admittance fee. The only reason I can think why this film was distributed to theatres instead of being a straight-to-DVD affair, is down to the influence of having a star like Terrence Howard in the picture. Don't waste your time or money on this abomination.
Should have been called "Talking"
briangcb16 July 2011
I can only conclude that the script for this film was only 3 pages long and basically consisted of phrases like "This guy tries to convince this other guy to fight" "this guy decides to fight" "They fight." all the dialogue had to be improvised by the actors and either they weren't good at improvising or the director wasn't paying attention so they just kept talking and talking and talking and they had to edit together the most coherent dialogue possible. There are only 3 or 4 fights in the film. The first fight lasts a total of I believe 30 seconds before the opponent travels head-first into a water fountain. The second fight gets broken up before it even starts, the third fight (if there was one) I don't even remember. The last fight was the only one that was moderately decent.
Been a while since I watched this movie so I can't elaborate too much, but forgettable fights, characters you don't care about, awful dialogue. I'd say avoid this one unless you enjoy being bored.
Been a while since I watched this movie so I can't elaborate too much, but forgettable fights, characters you don't care about, awful dialogue. I'd say avoid this one unless you enjoy being bored.
Decent plot just poorly written
whosyourdrummer116 October 2009
Warning: Spoilers
Terrence Howard is rising up to be one of the greats no doubt about it, however this film wasn't for him. This movie did a good job at staying unpredictable, but at the same time it maintained a very poor choice of dialogue throughout. The emotions were way off at sometimes the dialogue insisted they be stronger. Vise versa applies in this situation as well. Channing Tatum isn't a GREAT actor, however he's not terrible either. This movie obviously decided to play it safe and let Tatum stick to his rough guy image he seems to persistently play. If he opened up his role choice he would probably be a better actor. Fighting wasn't terrible, however some of the dialogue wasn't flowing. Apparently after he wins the first fight he is a great fighter. I didn't understand that at all because he may have got 2 hits from what I could see due to the poor camera angles. Not a memorable movie at all, but it wasn't horrid. 6/10
Not a knockout !!!
colin_coyne8 May 2009
There seemed to be a positive attitude before the film started – which was given a helping hand by the "star" of the film Channing Tatum (who plays Shawn MacArthur) making a guest appearance before the film started to introduce the movie.
A bit of a poor man's Rocky, with (believe it or not) an even worse story. Delving into the seedy, underground world of bare-knuckle fighting – with no holds barred.
A new kid in town, down on his luck in the big City meets up with and becomes unlikely friends with a less than successful con man / fight promoter and his entourage of misfits and vagabonds. The fights get increasingly intense as each opponent gets bigger and stronger than the last, until the big showdown with a boyhood nemesis.
Meanwhile, as a sub-plot, the up-and-coming fighter tries to woo a club waitress by always turning up whenever she is around alas, I suppose stalking has the same effect as a bunch of roses to some people today.
This was a poorly directed film, and the characters were pretty wooden, the story was very laboured and moved very slowly.
The redeeming features were some of the fight scenes (that were a bit on the brutal side), and the "comedy" performance of the girlfriend's Mother that kept popping into the room on the most inappropriate of moments! Although the fight sequences may be of interest to some – I would say that many others would find these quite off putting.
The film tries to save itself with some plot twists, but, unfortunately – you could see these punches coming from a long way off.
Channing Tatum in the opening introduction before the film started described the plot line of the movie as being loosely based on "Midnight Cowboy" – but it is a very loose connection both in story, acting ability or finished result – and this film definitely wasn't the winner.
A bit of a poor man's Rocky, with (believe it or not) an even worse story. Delving into the seedy, underground world of bare-knuckle fighting – with no holds barred.
A new kid in town, down on his luck in the big City meets up with and becomes unlikely friends with a less than successful con man / fight promoter and his entourage of misfits and vagabonds. The fights get increasingly intense as each opponent gets bigger and stronger than the last, until the big showdown with a boyhood nemesis.
Meanwhile, as a sub-plot, the up-and-coming fighter tries to woo a club waitress by always turning up whenever she is around alas, I suppose stalking has the same effect as a bunch of roses to some people today.
This was a poorly directed film, and the characters were pretty wooden, the story was very laboured and moved very slowly.
The redeeming features were some of the fight scenes (that were a bit on the brutal side), and the "comedy" performance of the girlfriend's Mother that kept popping into the room on the most inappropriate of moments! Although the fight sequences may be of interest to some – I would say that many others would find these quite off putting.
The film tries to save itself with some plot twists, but, unfortunately – you could see these punches coming from a long way off.
Channing Tatum in the opening introduction before the film started described the plot line of the movie as being loosely based on "Midnight Cowboy" – but it is a very loose connection both in story, acting ability or finished result – and this film definitely wasn't the winner.
Cool Fighting Movie! Understated and Excellent Cast
luke_morgan5 September 2009
Not sure what disposition everyone else was in when watching this movie but it must have been a dark one.
Yes, its a formulaic fighting movie and I can understand that it might rub you up the wrong way but I really liked the minimal insecure way in which the down on their luck main characters Shawn (Channing Tatum) Harvey (Terrence Howard) held themselves acting wise and I thought they established an excellent rapport by the end. The casting overall felt just right.
Neither of them were likable in the beginning and it was this roughness that gave the film more realism. I don't think you can really compare this to Never Back Down which was, like many beat em up movies, more of a glossy cartoon with human actors. 'Fighting' has more of a grime to it, made immersing by excellent cinematography of NYC and cool locations.
I liked the fact that the fight scenes were not an all singing and all dancing over stylised Tonay Jaa affair. Because of this I felt totally absorbed by the 'in the crowd' camera shots; catching different angles. You really felt the fighting was more realistic, as if you've ever been in a fight you'll know that technique can only take you so far- Its really down to mind, heart and of course luck.
Nothing was overstated in this film and I think that might be the reason it has received such bad rating. I don't care that it felt budget and its nice to have an understated fighting movie for once without too many bells and whistles.
Yes, its a formulaic fighting movie and I can understand that it might rub you up the wrong way but I really liked the minimal insecure way in which the down on their luck main characters Shawn (Channing Tatum) Harvey (Terrence Howard) held themselves acting wise and I thought they established an excellent rapport by the end. The casting overall felt just right.
Neither of them were likable in the beginning and it was this roughness that gave the film more realism. I don't think you can really compare this to Never Back Down which was, like many beat em up movies, more of a glossy cartoon with human actors. 'Fighting' has more of a grime to it, made immersing by excellent cinematography of NYC and cool locations.
I liked the fact that the fight scenes were not an all singing and all dancing over stylised Tonay Jaa affair. Because of this I felt totally absorbed by the 'in the crowd' camera shots; catching different angles. You really felt the fighting was more realistic, as if you've ever been in a fight you'll know that technique can only take you so far- Its really down to mind, heart and of course luck.
Nothing was overstated in this film and I think that might be the reason it has received such bad rating. I don't care that it felt budget and its nice to have an understated fighting movie for once without too many bells and whistles.
Unlikely, but Likable
bemyfriend-4018413 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I'm not an expert in cinema. But this film had likable characters, fine acting, great settings, and tolerably tolerable action. Without going into long dissertations, it was an enjoyable feel-good film; about a loser becoming a winner. The final scene, though... they should have taken some of that money and bought a car.
Pretty Darn Bad
IndieCredFred24 April 2009
As bad as this movie looked, I went into it with an open mind but as I suspected it was pretty bad. The dialogue was the worst part by far; it consists of some combination of mumbling and incoherent slang. The acting is terrible despite Mr. Howard doing his best to try and act his way out of the script. The narrative is scattered and cliché and has no original plot elements. You would figure a movie called "Fighting" would at least be saved by its fight sequences but its not, there are some half decent moments but most of the time you can't really tell what's going on however the final fight wasn't to bad. There are some genuine attempts at emotion throughout but usually they fall flat. There were way to many moments where I laughed but wasn't supposed to, especially the speech given right before the last fight. Overall it's a terribly acted movie with an even worst script.
Not bad...for a video rental
chapsmack31 August 2009
Fighting lacks brilliance from any characters, but it is alright for something to be watched on video. Channing Tatum looked a welcome change and Terrence Howard fits into the side-kick/friend role quite nicely. But then again Tatum mumbles through the entire movie and Howard's character isn't really that interesting. Zulay looked nice, but not much to talk about really. Luis Guzman was wasted. And then there is the title of the movie, Fighting. If the movie has a title like that, one would expect the fight sequences to be something to rave about, but then the fight scenes looked quite ordinary including the climax. I wasn't bored though which was good. 6/10.
Dull and flat out bad
Red_Identity6 August 2010
Fighting represents the new type of action film- no bang yet so boring. Not once did this film sneak up some excitement. It has some very dull characters played by some good actors that fail to give their characters some interest. For a film called Fighting, it has very little actual fighting until the last anti-climactic finale, which in all honesty, is quite boring. For an action film one can do much better, and not even the most brainless action fans will find this entertaining because for them it will have not enough action. So this film will please nobody... not enough action, no interesting plot or characters. Just another very forgettable action film like so many we have these days.
Not Bad, The Acting Holds It Together
chicagopoetry27 April 2009
Warning: Spoilers
Terrence Howard plays a sort of modern day "Midnight Cowboy" Ratso in Fighting, and his brilliant acting keeps this otherwise predictable fable alive. What's neat here is the juxtaposition between the passive characters who talk in near baby talk in quiet tones, almost in halted whispers, as they plot the violent events that are to take place. The fight scenes aren't as graphic as those in Fight Club, and don't quite reach the intensity of Charles Bronson in Hard Times, but the musical score and, as I said, Terrence Howard's performance raise this otherwise implausible story above the average schlock. The one thing the cast of Fighting can't be accused of is overacting. The subtleties are pleasantly surprising, especially for a movie about illegal street fighting.
B-Movie At Best
CNasrudan27 April 2009
It was well made, but clearly not worth seeing in theaters. All in all, besides a number of movies that this resembles (as you can read in the other IMDb comments), it was truly a poor case of storytelling. The dialog was very close to being on the nose allowing for the most predictable storyline and course of events. Best parts were the fighting which was filmed "O.K." and the women, a.k.a. "sex." New York felt very real throughout this movie, but with the American Gangster soundtrack being used repetitively it quickly lost it's realism. Acting was cool, but then again the characters were unbelievable and boring.
I say 4 out of 10. It could have been filmed like clover-field and still received the same rating. If the story would have been more original, then I would have said higher rating.
Oh and the "Antagonist" throughout this storyline made me laugh. My 5 year old nephew could take him down let alone our main character.
I say 4 out of 10. It could have been filmed like clover-field and still received the same rating. If the story would have been more original, then I would have said higher rating.
Oh and the "Antagonist" throughout this storyline made me laugh. My 5 year old nephew could take him down let alone our main character.
Fighting - A beating I enjoyed.
wiggo_b29 August 2009
The script of this movie contains a lot of bad lines, yeah the script isn't close to Montiels A guide to recognizing your saints. But this movie has got content that a lot of other movies lack... and it has got some features from the movie mentioned that gives the same street feel as AGTRYS did. The ending could be so much more than it is, and that is in my opinion the main reason why this movie got the low ratings it got.
And anyone saying the fights lack cool moves, or that there are way too few fights for a movie called "Fighting"... i'd say you're wrong. If you wanted a movie with a bunch of hardcore hits in slow motion, you should have gone for something that deals what that sorta thing... this movie does not. Sure there are some of these elements in there, but that's not what the focus is on. Anyone actually believe that Rocky got badass from running up stairs? Shawn trains a little, but he survives on what he has got... that is kinda the message. And no fights aren't fair game, if you take a beating and you get a chance to shove your opponent into a sink, you'll take it.
one thing to put out there is that the musical score for this movie is just as awesome as Dito M's last movie, scenes from Zulay's kitchen were done perfectly in a great mix with the music, same goes for anywhere Shawn wasn't at a club or fighting.
If you want a movie like Rocky or Never Back Down, don't go for this one... there are better movies than Fighting out there, but this one ignites some emotion instead of adrenalin.
And anyone saying the fights lack cool moves, or that there are way too few fights for a movie called "Fighting"... i'd say you're wrong. If you wanted a movie with a bunch of hardcore hits in slow motion, you should have gone for something that deals what that sorta thing... this movie does not. Sure there are some of these elements in there, but that's not what the focus is on. Anyone actually believe that Rocky got badass from running up stairs? Shawn trains a little, but he survives on what he has got... that is kinda the message. And no fights aren't fair game, if you take a beating and you get a chance to shove your opponent into a sink, you'll take it.
one thing to put out there is that the musical score for this movie is just as awesome as Dito M's last movie, scenes from Zulay's kitchen were done perfectly in a great mix with the music, same goes for anywhere Shawn wasn't at a club or fighting.
If you want a movie like Rocky or Never Back Down, don't go for this one... there are better movies than Fighting out there, but this one ignites some emotion instead of adrenalin.
It hurt my head...
tcrich-13 September 2009
I've never in my life felt like my head was going to explode while watching a movie. Throughout the whole film I tried making sense of it all, and finally just came to my senses, it's down right horrible.
Every emotion was misplaced. The dialogue didn't mesh. There was no build up aside from the minor tension between Channing Tatum and Brian J. White.
The movie "cleverly titled" FIGHTING, had not a single worthwhile fight scene in it worth watching. In fact the whole time, I couldn't understand why he was getting praised as a good fighter. It's not even till the very end that you even see a fight where you feel he's got some fighting talent.
I could go into how horrible each actor was, but ultimately decided it wasn't their fault. I'm 100% convinced that the director had no idea how to coach his actors, nor how to write a good script. In fact I'm almost convinced he encouraged them to do horribly.
I felt Brian White did well. And the only other acting that I really could tolerate was the crazy old grandmother. Everything else just seemed like interacting characters were reading from separate scripts.
I used a free promo code to save $1 at RedBox to watch this movie, and I'm still disappointed I didn't get my money's worth.
Every emotion was misplaced. The dialogue didn't mesh. There was no build up aside from the minor tension between Channing Tatum and Brian J. White.
The movie "cleverly titled" FIGHTING, had not a single worthwhile fight scene in it worth watching. In fact the whole time, I couldn't understand why he was getting praised as a good fighter. It's not even till the very end that you even see a fight where you feel he's got some fighting talent.
I could go into how horrible each actor was, but ultimately decided it wasn't their fault. I'm 100% convinced that the director had no idea how to coach his actors, nor how to write a good script. In fact I'm almost convinced he encouraged them to do horribly.
I felt Brian White did well. And the only other acting that I really could tolerate was the crazy old grandmother. Everything else just seemed like interacting characters were reading from separate scripts.
I used a free promo code to save $1 at RedBox to watch this movie, and I'm still disappointed I didn't get my money's worth.
Every Film Student Should See this Movie
thesulaco30 January 2010
Warning: Spoilers
If you are a film student, along with Citizen Kane and other required viewing, this is a movie that you should see. It is a primary example of what happens when 90% of everything goes well, stellar in fact, but wrong steps with marketing sink the project. If you were expecting a fighting movie, I can understand you being very disappointed. This is not a bad movie, far from it, but it is not a "fighting" movie as the posters and teasers had us to believe. If you saw it in a theater, you'll be more angry, as not only did you not get the movie you were expecting, you can't get your money back.
In the one film class that I took (wish I could go to film school like some of you) we learned that there are at least 10 or so elements that classify a movie as being "Film Noir". I think that fight movies are very similar. None of the "elements" of fighting movies are in this film. There are only three fights, they were inconsistent as to the kind of fighting, (the second fight looks more like wrestling than fighting). The overall pacing is a little off, in that scenes that move fast move too fast, while others had lyrical timing. (i.e. when Harvey finds Sean sleeping on the park bench). Unlike another poster wrote, the characters don't mumble, however, Terry's accent is never the same from scene to scene.
That aside, here is what did work for me: (1) The acting. Every actor on the screen did a wonderful job; they were honest, intuitive, and believable. (2) The cinematography was exceptional. For example, at 1.07.9 when Harvey (Terrence Howard) is coming through a door that has the shadows of trees in the background, the over head (crane?) shots of the second fight, to name a few.
I don't want to ramble, but there are many other things about this movie that really make it a 7 on my rating. Now that you are aware that this is not a fight movie, I encourage you to watch it again with a different perspective. As to being a story teller, I do think that Dito is among the very best.
IMO Ripley
In the one film class that I took (wish I could go to film school like some of you) we learned that there are at least 10 or so elements that classify a movie as being "Film Noir". I think that fight movies are very similar. None of the "elements" of fighting movies are in this film. There are only three fights, they were inconsistent as to the kind of fighting, (the second fight looks more like wrestling than fighting). The overall pacing is a little off, in that scenes that move fast move too fast, while others had lyrical timing. (i.e. when Harvey finds Sean sleeping on the park bench). Unlike another poster wrote, the characters don't mumble, however, Terry's accent is never the same from scene to scene.
That aside, here is what did work for me: (1) The acting. Every actor on the screen did a wonderful job; they were honest, intuitive, and believable. (2) The cinematography was exceptional. For example, at 1.07.9 when Harvey (Terrence Howard) is coming through a door that has the shadows of trees in the background, the over head (crane?) shots of the second fight, to name a few.
I don't want to ramble, but there are many other things about this movie that really make it a 7 on my rating. Now that you are aware that this is not a fight movie, I encourage you to watch it again with a different perspective. As to being a story teller, I do think that Dito is among the very best.
IMO Ripley
Bad... very bad
filmsploitation20 August 2009
Fighting Review by Phil Hobden First there was Never Back Down, then Never Surrender and now Fighting
all three proving that it's pretty easy to take one of the worlds fastest growing and exciting sports and make it dull as dishwater on screen. The uninspiring storyline of a street kid fighting for money has been done more times Paris Hilton and the flat direction does nothing to help it along. The fights are dull and pretty poorly put together and the whole film lacks scope
I've seen no budget Indie actioners with more style than this. Lead Channing Tatum isn't bad (if a little wet) but displays charisma that might see him be more than a pretty boy down the line but conversely Terrence Howardjust doesn't work at all as mentor/promoter Harvey. In short the dull Fighting is one to avoid.
Film 1.5/5 Action 1/5 If you liked this try: Underground; Never Back Down; Karate Kid
Film 1.5/5 Action 1/5 If you liked this try: Underground; Never Back Down; Karate Kid
Wrong Audience saw this film
mcgriswald30 March 2010
Warning: Spoilers
In the last several years, Hollywood has screwed up in marketing films in such a way that cause their target audience to get angry, and the resulting negative buzz kills the film. The people who watched this movie expected an action filled smash up with a clearly defined plot and evil villains and shining heroes. Nothing wrong with that, but a movie like this one is bound to disappoint those folks, and the people who would like it will never see it, because they automatically pigeonhole it into the entire fight movie genre.
Fighting reminds me of a typical good film from the early '70s, where our attentions are drawn to the nuances of character, motivation, and the setting in which these people live. Plot is important, but secondary to our exploration of a world where desperate people take desperate steps to survive.
Our protagonist here is kid who is selling counterfeit junk in New York, when he is discovered by street hustler after he beats up some of the hustler's minions. Offered a chance to fight in a winner takes all contest, the kid wins, and starts to gain a name and engage in fights with bigger and bigger purses. Over time, he develops a relationship with the hustler, a love interest with a girl who isn't what she appears to be, and reacquaints himself with a rival from his past.
The fight sequences are raw, brutal, and quick--the atmosphere and settings of the fights are examined as much as the fight itself. We get a look into the street culture that supports these contests, as well as the shady characters behind all of the arrangements and wagering that goes on. The hustler, who becomes the kid's de facto manager has a past as well, and while down on his luck, sees the kid as a chance to regain the respect and position within the underground community they inhabit.
Even though the relationship has the absolute opportunity to be exploitative--particularly when the hustler asks the kid to take a dive, the mutual respect and genuine fondness that develops between the two is great to see.
I am happy with the acting--Terence Howard, who plays the hustler always comes through, and the kid, played by Channing Tatum, comes across as a young DeNiro, understated, but with a sort of longing that comes through particularly when he is pursuing his love interest played by Zulay Henao. It reminded me a little of DeNiro's pursuit of Cybill Shepard in Taxi Driver, before she figured out how screwed up he was--some small charm and a lot of persistence. The relationship between the kid and the hustler echoed that of Ratso Rizzo and Joe Buck in Midnight Cowboy. Like Ratso, Howard's character saw a degree of redemption.
As for the remaining cast, the supporters came across as real humans, not street caricatures that we are so used to seeing. The heavies who were played by the ever reliable Luis Guzman and Roger Guenveur Smith, were menacing enough, but never let their performances go overboard.
I have a feeling that this is one of those movies that has slipped under a lot people's radar, but as word of mouth gets out about it amongst people who like this sort of movie, the rating, now abysmally low will creep up where it should be.
Fighting reminds me of a typical good film from the early '70s, where our attentions are drawn to the nuances of character, motivation, and the setting in which these people live. Plot is important, but secondary to our exploration of a world where desperate people take desperate steps to survive.
Our protagonist here is kid who is selling counterfeit junk in New York, when he is discovered by street hustler after he beats up some of the hustler's minions. Offered a chance to fight in a winner takes all contest, the kid wins, and starts to gain a name and engage in fights with bigger and bigger purses. Over time, he develops a relationship with the hustler, a love interest with a girl who isn't what she appears to be, and reacquaints himself with a rival from his past.
The fight sequences are raw, brutal, and quick--the atmosphere and settings of the fights are examined as much as the fight itself. We get a look into the street culture that supports these contests, as well as the shady characters behind all of the arrangements and wagering that goes on. The hustler, who becomes the kid's de facto manager has a past as well, and while down on his luck, sees the kid as a chance to regain the respect and position within the underground community they inhabit.
Even though the relationship has the absolute opportunity to be exploitative--particularly when the hustler asks the kid to take a dive, the mutual respect and genuine fondness that develops between the two is great to see.
I am happy with the acting--Terence Howard, who plays the hustler always comes through, and the kid, played by Channing Tatum, comes across as a young DeNiro, understated, but with a sort of longing that comes through particularly when he is pursuing his love interest played by Zulay Henao. It reminded me a little of DeNiro's pursuit of Cybill Shepard in Taxi Driver, before she figured out how screwed up he was--some small charm and a lot of persistence. The relationship between the kid and the hustler echoed that of Ratso Rizzo and Joe Buck in Midnight Cowboy. Like Ratso, Howard's character saw a degree of redemption.
As for the remaining cast, the supporters came across as real humans, not street caricatures that we are so used to seeing. The heavies who were played by the ever reliable Luis Guzman and Roger Guenveur Smith, were menacing enough, but never let their performances go overboard.
I have a feeling that this is one of those movies that has slipped under a lot people's radar, but as word of mouth gets out about it amongst people who like this sort of movie, the rating, now abysmally low will creep up where it should be.
Fighting To Keep This Movie Together
MCMAYNERBERRY24 April 2009
Small-town boy Shawn MacArthur (Channing Tatum) has come to New York City with nothing. Barely earning a living selling counterfeit goods on the streets, his luck changes when scam artist Harvey Boarden (Terrence Howard) sees that he has a natural talent for streetfighting. When Harvey offers Shawn help at making the real cash, the two form an uneasy partnership.
As Shawn's manager, Harvey introduces him to the corrupt bare-knuckle circuit, where rich men bet on disposable pawns. Almost overnight, he becomes a star brawler, taking down professional boxers, mixed martial arts champs and ultimate fighters in a series of staggeringly intense bouts. But if Shawn ever hopes to escape the dark world in which he's found himself, he must now face the toughest fight of his life. Fighting 6/10
As Shawn's manager, Harvey introduces him to the corrupt bare-knuckle circuit, where rich men bet on disposable pawns. Almost overnight, he becomes a star brawler, taking down professional boxers, mixed martial arts champs and ultimate fighters in a series of staggeringly intense bouts. But if Shawn ever hopes to escape the dark world in which he's found himself, he must now face the toughest fight of his life. Fighting 6/10
How many more 'Illegal Fight Club' films do we need?
Angelus223 August 2009
Warning: Spoilers
I was quite impressed by the trailer and felt that film was very edgy and gritty, focusing on the main character's inner turmoil and his greed that fuels his fighting. That's what I got from the trailer.
The film overall is boring with a cast that cannot give the audience that little bit of emotion that is needed to hold their attention.
Channing Tatum plays a simple country boy who comes to the big city making a living selling tit-for-tat merchandise. Until he gets robbed and catches the attention of a 'dopey' Terrence Howard.
The acting is really bad and the script just seems to get worse as the film goes on...It feels as if the bad actors were allowed to improvise..and yet again there is a 'love interest'; who does nothing to forward the already tedious movie.
The film overall is boring with a cast that cannot give the audience that little bit of emotion that is needed to hold their attention.
Channing Tatum plays a simple country boy who comes to the big city making a living selling tit-for-tat merchandise. Until he gets robbed and catches the attention of a 'dopey' Terrence Howard.
The acting is really bad and the script just seems to get worse as the film goes on...It feels as if the bad actors were allowed to improvise..and yet again there is a 'love interest'; who does nothing to forward the already tedious movie.
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