A great sports movie - what did you think you were watching?

Rating: 9/10 (18 February 2013)

To the low raters citing so called American clichés or holes in the plot as reasons to justify a weak rating...folks, it's a movie about Ultimate Fighting? What were you expecting - Shakespeare? That's like saying the English Patient was a terrible effort b/c it left you sad on the way out of the theatre! I'm not even a UFC fan and I still found this to be a great ride.
This movie executes perfectly on what it's trying to be - a great sports movie. Think about the comparables - Any Given Sunday - star power that tries to distract you from the fact that they're not actually playing football or the Rocky movies that use distant camera angles to hide the fact that Sly doesn't like to get hit. This movie tells its story without slowing down. There are great characters and good writing in that there really aren't any missing links. There also some great acting beyond Nick Nolte but above all, there are great realistic action scenes. It's real on almost every level. It's hard to ask for much more given the theme - tons of entertainment value here folks.
And for you disappointed people who were looking for a dramatic cinematic experience based on the failing human condition without the violence...here's a suggestion...look at the cover next time!