Unstoppable - Movie Review

This dramatic film is based on the life of Anthony Robles, a wrestler born with only one leg, who rises up to capture the NCAA National Championship at Arizona State University. This docudrama portrays his progression through college wrestling by sheer hard work and determination.

The picture accomplishes themes of one’s perseverance, bravery, and endurance. This is an inspirational and motivational message at the darkest of times to strive and be more even when one is confined in a wheelchair.

One of the most powerful performances by Jharrel Jerome representing the leading character Anthony Robles. There is good supporting cast and Don Cheadle and Jennifer Lopez play quite well and add layers to the story. By casting Michael Peña, another aspect of Robles’ performance is added which brings an emotional side to the story.

Under the direction of William Goldenberg an incredible and emotionally driven sports drama has been created. Despite the flow of directorial vision well capturing Robles’ inspiring story and providing his journey an emotional perspective that resonates as tangible, it feels somewhat flawed. It also relates with the theme of the movie about determination.

The structure, color, focus and movement in the cinematography effectively capture the intensity and energy of college arenas and wrestling matches respectively thus making the viewer feel more associated with wrestling and the emotions behind it.

The setting of college wrestling is brought out in the production design stage in the sports arenas , training rooms and other related places giving a realistic view of what it was like for Robles I think the major transitions help to establish the progression of Robles with great measure.

The pacing of the film is steady and the flow of action and suspense is balanced with quieter moments which allow us to process the impact it may have on the viewer.

The dialogues are very realistic and the portrayal of success and failure in Robles’ journey does not feel forced or clichéd. SOLIDLINES Many of the fine lines serve increase the narrative’s motivational nature in an effective and poignant manner.

OVERALL ‘Unstoppable’ isn’t without its fault despite its overall inspirational nature; one can argue that the characters are rather plain at times and elements such as the motivational speeches and the like feel rather formulaic. Yet, it does so to an extent that completely erases most of the flaws that one could identify within it.

Thus, while being a work filled to the brim with historical facts and unbelievable occurrences, ‘Unstoppable’ genuinely delivers on the inspirational life story element, with an honest and rather deep sense of it. That always stands out and encourages people to move forward and turn failures into successes.