Sort your family problems but not in an MMA final

Rating: 7/10 (30 May 2014)

I did not have many expectations before seeing this movie and also didn't read the description of the movie. The plot was at many times pretty obvious and many viewers anticipated from the start of the movie that the two brothers will settle family business in this unrealistic MMA final. I won't criticize the fantasy of two underdogs fighting an MMA final, but instead I want to emphasize on the idea of a broken family: on one side was the rebellious Tommy who was blaming everyone around him for his mother's death, while on the other side, Brendan the retired UFC average fighter who picked up a teaching position choosing lower paid but secure employment as a physics teacher, fighting for the biggest motive, not fame, girls or belts, but his family's salvation from bankruptcy. Also the Pop (Nick Nolte) did a great job as the estranged father fighting alcoholism who in the end sees his two boys reunite in an applause filled movie happy ending. At the end I could say, Brendan tamed his furious brother and took up his big brother role again, while Tommy finally could be happy with himself, although losing this match. Actually, I had a feeling (maybe I'm wrong) that Tommy wanted to lose and let the guilt consume him as he never felt being a part of his family.
I gave it a 7.5/10, due to the plot and the pretty grandiose happy ending who were obvious at all times. All in all, a good movie about fighting, personal & family dramas and underdogs winning MMA championships. It's worth watching, you won't be disappointed. In case you haven't seen it yet, don't miss it: The Wrestler with Mickey Rourke.