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Emma Watson recommended The Complete Persepolis in Books (curated)
Lucy Buglass (45 KP) rated Fighting with My Family (2019) in Movies
Jun 20, 2019
A biopic that’s not just for wrestling fans
Let me make something clear before I dive into my review: I don’t like wrestling. Actually, I hate wrestling. I could barely name another wrestler aside from The Rock and John Cena, so at a glance this film really isn’t marketed towards me. But when we go a little deeper, it becomes clear that this is an incredibly accessible film with a powerful message.
Fighting With My Family tells the story of Norwich-born Saraya “Paige” Bevis. Brought up in a family of wrestlers, Bevis spent her life wrestling alongside her parents, brother and the local community, drawing in small crowds on a regular basis. The family has dreams of making WWE and becoming professional wrestlers, even going as far as sending audition tapes to the company. When Saraya and her brother Zak “Zodiac” are called for an official audition, the family’s lives change for better and for worse.
With an all-star cast including The Rock (obviously), Vince Vaughn, Nick Frost, Lena Headey and Florence Pugh, it’s an incredibly appealing film. Everyone involved takes to their roles effortlessly, bringing all the charm and quirks of the characters to life. It’s so easy to like the Knight family, as they come across as a strange yet passionate family who’d do everything in their power to support the community around them. It’s refreshing to see a depiction of working-class life that doesn’t make the audience sneer or judge. I found myself rooting for the Knights all the way, and wishing them all the best. Pugh embodies Paige so well, to the point where it was easy to believe you were watching the woman herself. She’s so awkward, British and hugely likeable throughout.
I was also surprised to learn that Stephen Merchant (yes, that Stephen Merchant) was at the helm of this film. I adored his direction style and hilarious cameo, making this an unlikely project that worked like a charm. Based off the documentary of the same name, Merchant brings his own unique vision to the project, with the legendary Dwayne Johnson helping out as an an executive producer. It feels like an unlikely duo, but it seriously works.
Fighting With My Family has classic British humour and a familiar grittiness to it, reminding me why I adore British cinema so much. There are clear tonal shifts between the UK and US, emphasising the cultural differences and how out of her depth Bevis felt at first. This is where a lot of the humour comes into play too, as a pale, pierced Norwich girl sticks out like a sore thumb amongst blonde, bronzed models. As Saraya steps into the world of WWE with the ring name “Paige”, she has to face numerous obstacles that are both mentally and physically challenging. As it happens, her identity is one of them, and she soon becomes an outcast.
Yes, this film is about one girl’s rise to the top of the WWE ranks, but it’s also so much more than that. It’s about family, class divide, jealousy, among others. I particularly enjoyed the dynamic between Saraya and Zak, as there’s a clear case of sibling rivalry here. Whilst Saraya succeeds, Zak is dealing with a whole host of personal issues whilst wallowing in his own sadness. This is jealousy on a massive scale, causing a rift between the siblings, and in turn, the rest of the family.
I loved the overall message that the film delivers: that it’s important to always be true to yourself, and do what makes you great. Whether that’s big or small, you can make an impact. This is something that Zak eventually learns whilst he’s feeling jealous of his sister’s success. The familial bond is so strong in this film, and it’s a truly beautiful thing to witness. They might be slightly bonkers, dysfunctional and off the wall, but they’d do anything to support each other. Isn’t that wonderful?
https://lucygoestohollywood.com/2019/03/21/a-biopic-thats-not-just-for-wrestling-fans-my-thoughts-on-fighting-with-my-family/
Fighting With My Family tells the story of Norwich-born Saraya “Paige” Bevis. Brought up in a family of wrestlers, Bevis spent her life wrestling alongside her parents, brother and the local community, drawing in small crowds on a regular basis. The family has dreams of making WWE and becoming professional wrestlers, even going as far as sending audition tapes to the company. When Saraya and her brother Zak “Zodiac” are called for an official audition, the family’s lives change for better and for worse.
With an all-star cast including The Rock (obviously), Vince Vaughn, Nick Frost, Lena Headey and Florence Pugh, it’s an incredibly appealing film. Everyone involved takes to their roles effortlessly, bringing all the charm and quirks of the characters to life. It’s so easy to like the Knight family, as they come across as a strange yet passionate family who’d do everything in their power to support the community around them. It’s refreshing to see a depiction of working-class life that doesn’t make the audience sneer or judge. I found myself rooting for the Knights all the way, and wishing them all the best. Pugh embodies Paige so well, to the point where it was easy to believe you were watching the woman herself. She’s so awkward, British and hugely likeable throughout.
I was also surprised to learn that Stephen Merchant (yes, that Stephen Merchant) was at the helm of this film. I adored his direction style and hilarious cameo, making this an unlikely project that worked like a charm. Based off the documentary of the same name, Merchant brings his own unique vision to the project, with the legendary Dwayne Johnson helping out as an an executive producer. It feels like an unlikely duo, but it seriously works.
Fighting With My Family has classic British humour and a familiar grittiness to it, reminding me why I adore British cinema so much. There are clear tonal shifts between the UK and US, emphasising the cultural differences and how out of her depth Bevis felt at first. This is where a lot of the humour comes into play too, as a pale, pierced Norwich girl sticks out like a sore thumb amongst blonde, bronzed models. As Saraya steps into the world of WWE with the ring name “Paige”, she has to face numerous obstacles that are both mentally and physically challenging. As it happens, her identity is one of them, and she soon becomes an outcast.
Yes, this film is about one girl’s rise to the top of the WWE ranks, but it’s also so much more than that. It’s about family, class divide, jealousy, among others. I particularly enjoyed the dynamic between Saraya and Zak, as there’s a clear case of sibling rivalry here. Whilst Saraya succeeds, Zak is dealing with a whole host of personal issues whilst wallowing in his own sadness. This is jealousy on a massive scale, causing a rift between the siblings, and in turn, the rest of the family.
I loved the overall message that the film delivers: that it’s important to always be true to yourself, and do what makes you great. Whether that’s big or small, you can make an impact. This is something that Zak eventually learns whilst he’s feeling jealous of his sister’s success. The familial bond is so strong in this film, and it’s a truly beautiful thing to witness. They might be slightly bonkers, dysfunctional and off the wall, but they’d do anything to support each other. Isn’t that wonderful?
https://lucygoestohollywood.com/2019/03/21/a-biopic-thats-not-just-for-wrestling-fans-my-thoughts-on-fighting-with-my-family/
Lee KM Pallatina (951 KP) rated River of Darkness (2010) in Movies
Aug 8, 2019
River of time wasted
River of darkness is just bad, not even one of those movies that are so bad that their good, this movie was just an absolute disaster from the beginning, I have no idea what the director or producer were thinking, they shoulda just stopped to save face but they didn't.
When this movie dropped I was drawn to it as fan impact wrestling fka TNA which starred their talent (at the time) I remember paying £10 for this crud and regretting it (although I've since bought it again for £1- nostalgia I guess)
If you wanna try it out either pay cheap or maybe its on YouTube?
Had a great plot idea but the budget must have been zilch.
When this movie dropped I was drawn to it as fan impact wrestling fka TNA which starred their talent (at the time) I remember paying £10 for this crud and regretting it (although I've since bought it again for £1- nostalgia I guess)
If you wanna try it out either pay cheap or maybe its on YouTube?
Had a great plot idea but the budget must have been zilch.
Jack Reynor recommended Women in Love (1969) in Movies (curated)
The ErDoodles Show (17 KP) created a post
Mar 28, 2018
Lee KM Pallatina (951 KP) rated The Wrestler (2008) in Movies
Jun 22, 2019
The show must go on...
This wonderful tale tells the story of Randy "The Ram" Robinson (Mickey Rourke) who was once one of the biggest names in the industry who now struggles with daily life but is still ready and rarin' to go on the pro-wrestling circuit. After a brutal beating, Randy hangs up his tights, pursues a relationship with a stripper (Marisa Tomei), and tries to reconnect with his daughter (Evan Rachel Wood). But with that fire still burning within, prepares for comeback....
This gritty look at the reality of wrestlers from the past is a real eye opener, hearing and reading about their struggles after years of entertaining millions to be tossed aside when they can no longer commit to the performance is a humble experience and inspiration.
Some solid acting, good casting genuine tone.
This gritty look at the reality of wrestlers from the past is a real eye opener, hearing and reading about their struggles after years of entertaining millions to be tossed aside when they can no longer commit to the performance is a humble experience and inspiration.
Some solid acting, good casting genuine tone.
Erika (17788 KP) rated The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019) in Movies
Sep 21, 2019
I went to see 3 movies this past week, and this film was far and away the best out of the three.
It was very much like a small Huckleberry Finn story. A man with down syndrome runs away from the nursing home he's being kept in to go to wrestling school. That alone was enough to get my butt in the seat. Shia LeBeouf, who is running away from multiple things himself, helps him along the way. It was amusing, and kept me engaged throughout. The length was perfect. The only unnecessary thing was Dakota Johnson's character, but I can see why they included her in the story.
There need to be more original movies like this one. I'm glad my local AMC, that normally only plays mainstream films, had this playing for a week as an 'Artisan' film.
It was very much like a small Huckleberry Finn story. A man with down syndrome runs away from the nursing home he's being kept in to go to wrestling school. That alone was enough to get my butt in the seat. Shia LeBeouf, who is running away from multiple things himself, helps him along the way. It was amusing, and kept me engaged throughout. The length was perfect. The only unnecessary thing was Dakota Johnson's character, but I can see why they included her in the story.
There need to be more original movies like this one. I'm glad my local AMC, that normally only plays mainstream films, had this playing for a week as an 'Artisan' film.
Alison Pink (7 KP) rated Seven Up (Stephanie Plum, #7) in Books
Jan 15, 2018
So far this has been my least favorite book in the Stephanie Plum series...but that is NOT to say I didn't enjoy it. Grandma getting kidnapped, Stephanie buying a wedding dress, mud wrestling. How can you not enjoy that!?
This followed the same formula as the previous novels. The background gets explained at some point which is nice for people who haven't read all the books, but it gets a little tedious when you read that Stephanie was laid off from her lingerie buyer job for the 100th time. But I suppose that's just nit-picking.
That being said, I'm not sure what it was about this book that made it less likable than the previous 6. I guess ti boils down to the fact that I didn't feel quite as caught up in the plot of this as I did in the others.
This followed the same formula as the previous novels. The background gets explained at some point which is nice for people who haven't read all the books, but it gets a little tedious when you read that Stephanie was laid off from her lingerie buyer job for the 100th time. But I suppose that's just nit-picking.
That being said, I'm not sure what it was about this book that made it less likable than the previous 6. I guess ti boils down to the fact that I didn't feel quite as caught up in the plot of this as I did in the others.
Trey Edward Shults recommended There Will Be Blood (2007) in Movies (curated)
Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated Fighting with My Family (2019) in Movies
Aug 6, 2020
Florence Pugh (2 more)
The Rock
Vince Vaughn
Fight For Your Dream
Fighting For My Family- tells the story about WWE superstar Paige and her up rising to the WWE. Its a entertaining, dramatic, comedy film. You will have laughs, the push to push your self to the ultimate limit without losing it, without giving up your dreams.
The plot: Born into a tight-knit wrestling family, Paige and her brother Zak are ecstatic when they get the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to try out for the WWE. But when only Paige earns a spot in the competitive training program, she must leave her loved ones behind and face this new cutthroat world alone. Paige's journey pushes her to dig deep and ultimately prove to the world that what makes her different is the very thing that can make her a star.
Stephen Merchant does a excellent job with his second film that he directed.
Its a excellent film and a must watch if you like the WWE.
The plot: Born into a tight-knit wrestling family, Paige and her brother Zak are ecstatic when they get the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to try out for the WWE. But when only Paige earns a spot in the competitive training program, she must leave her loved ones behind and face this new cutthroat world alone. Paige's journey pushes her to dig deep and ultimately prove to the world that what makes her different is the very thing that can make her a star.
Stephen Merchant does a excellent job with his second film that he directed.
Its a excellent film and a must watch if you like the WWE.