Iron Claw

To think I originally dismissed this movie completely and now, after finally having seeing it, it has become one of the best movies I've seen in some time. The surprises are constant, first I had never heard of of the Von Erich, I didn't know the director and I knew Zac Efron. All details that under normal circumstances would have kept me away but. Oh my goodness! What a wonderful movie, beautifully written and directed and then Zac Efron! A performance of such beauty and of such truth that made me want to see the movie again, immediately. I didn't, but I will. It moved me and shattered me because I believed him. He's not alone, Jeremy Allen White is also superb and the last minutes of the movie found me with tears running down my face. Terrific.

Let me preface this by saying I am not a fan of pro wrestling at all. I actually think it's kind of silly but this film is great regardless

As always A24 delivers another great film. The acting is amazing. The story and dialogue are great. Everything about this film is awesome. It is a bit sad though. But coming in, I knew it was gonna be sad because I knew a little bit about the Von Erics from my dad who loves pro wrestling.

Zac Efron does an amazing job as the lead in this film. The co stars that played his family do a great job as well. Zac Efron and pretty much every major character has an amazing arc and a lot of development. They also have very good chemistry on screen.

Story wise it is a very good story, but very sad at the same time. It does have the benefit of being based off of a truly amazing story of a family of athletes. The dialogue is very well written. The story goes very smoothly.

The production value was good. I've come to expect a good production value when it comes to A24 films. The cinematography isn't as crazy or unique as a normal A24 film but they still do a good job regardless.

Overall, it's worth the time and money you spend.

For 2023 it's nice to see a film in theater that is high caliber. The Iron Claw hits on many different levels and tells a story with conviction and care.

The acting was convincing and the size of Zac Efron is flat out impressive (regardless if supplements were involved). In terms of drama, Efron is subtle mostly, but really shines in the final scene of the movie.

The pace is just about perfect. There is no meandering or long drawn out sequences that make you want to check the time. There are a few jumps in years but you don't get confused how much time has passed, keeping the audience engaged and not figuring out timelines.

The movie is based on a true story and has a lot of tragic moments, but there is also hope which helps balance the tone. The Iron Claw is a good movie and I'm sure will be up for an Oscar or two. It's also nice to watch a movie in this day and age that doesn't have any political undertones that it's trying to convey to the audience, just pure storytelling.

The Von Erich's were always this odd story I heard when I was a kid. The wrestling family that kicked off what is now the professional wrestling dynasty. They were the superstars that also saddled with one of the darkest most bizarre curse. If you think about the tragedy of Chris Benoit, someone would always bring up the Von Erich's.

The story is centered around Kevin Von Erich (Zac Efron), mostly because the tale can only be told through his window. A Texas family whose father Fritz (Holt McCallany) desperately wanted to be at the top of the game. He molded his sons to follow in his footsteps. Cold and focused, he is the father of that era that most today would consider abusive. Back then, to get greatness, sacrifice must be endured. In this case, the early wild death of the eldest brother Jack (who is never really addressed completely) since he was a baby when he passed from an electrocution accident. From that point on, the family presses forward.

There is a dark cloud that hangs over the family, yet no one completely addresses it directly. The Von Erich curse seemed to be a real thing. And as a youngster, I always waited for the next Von Erich to die a weird death. Grim as it may seem.

The brothers wake up and eat, drink and breathe wrestling. But there is a hierarchy. Broken down by the Fritz. The brothers are meant to compete with each other for the approval of Dad.

There is also David (Harris Dickinson) and Kerry (Jeremy Allan White) but not mentioned...a brother Chris. I only knew Kerry, since he made it to the WWF.

This at-the-fringe federation of wrestlers were in the NWA, which I always considered the low-rent of wrestling, as if there were such a thing.

Kevin marries Pam (Lily James) who is really the most normal of the gang. The mother. Doris (Maura Tierney) seems to be just trying to placate Fritz but also focus on God.

I truly miss this type of filmmaking. It is a story of family and tragedy and how they cope with it. Which sometimes I wish they showed more of that and less of the wrestling. This movie's emotional core stuck with me. Though, there are moments that drag, when you think about how awful events followed this family, you are left wondering how they were able to move forward.

The answer isn't very clear. These are the moments I wish focused more on Kevin's resilience. Instead, we see he truly believes the family curse. And that would be enough. Perhaps the emotionally absent mother answers the question of pain and loss. There is a great moment when all the death occurs, Mom doesn't know how to cope. Because of her faith, you read the thought bubble which is asking God "why am I being tested" a brilliant move by director Sean Durkin NOT to have her say this outloud.

One thing that may trouble some viewers is the Fritz's dialogue. At first, I considered it horrible acting. Then it occurred to me. He has been a showboat to audiences most his life. It isn't too far of a stretch that he knows no other way to communicate. He is a tough guy who relies on his sons to be equally as tough. Though he isn't that way at first, he downshifts into it with the success of the family.

There's so much to unpack here.

Mass kudos to Zac Efron. A brilliant piece of acting which should get him an Oscar nom (perhaps the Academy will never take him seriously...they should). In spite of his stoic mannerisms, Efron still exudes thought processes. In this case, tough guys aren't suppose to cry. But we cry for him.

Wonderful work. This is a must to see in theaters. A small screen will not show the subtle performances.

The film's visual narrative is meticulously crafted, with every frame thoughtfully composed to not only tell a story but to also immerse viewers into its atmospheric depth. The cinematography is indeed a standout, utilizing innovative camera techniques and lighting to accentuate the mood, tone, and overall aesthetic of the film.

Moreover, the acting in "Iron Claw" is nothing short of remarkable. The cast delivers performances that are deeply nuanced and emotionally resonant, bringing their characters to life with authenticity and complexity. Through their skillful portrayals, the actors navigate the intricate dynamics of their roles with finesse, making the audience invest in their journeys. The chemistry among the cast further amplifies the film's emotional impact, making the relationships and conflicts more compelling.

In combination, the film's well-executed cinematography and stellar acting not only enhance the storytelling but also create a rich, cinematic texture that is both engaging and thought-provoking. "Iron Claw" stands as a testament to the power of visual storytelling and the art of performance, making it a must-watch for those who appreciate the craft of filmmaking.