American Wrestler: The Wizard

As a former high school wrestler in a small town this movie really resonates with me. Also very well written and believable for that period of time. If you like an underdog story and you like wrestling this movie is a 10/10 for you! Full of emotion, and good tense good old fashion high school themed beat downs. Its not that corny in the movie, but its really believable and great action and drama as well.

As soon as I saw the poster for this one, I knew I was going to like it.

I am a bit of a sucker for a feel good sport movie, especially when they are based on true events like this one is.

You can not go wrong with Jon Voight and William Fichtner as far as I am concerned, they very rarely do a bad movie and they do not disappoint here. George Kosturos as Ali is excellent and Ali Afshar as his uncle Hafez hits all the right notes.

I am old enough to remember the 1980 hostage saga and Ronald Reagan being elected President, so it brings back a lot of memories.

Very much worth watching and one I will be watching again, a suggestion for some would be to have the tissues handy.

Very solid 8/10

Wonderful root-for-the-underdog movie. George Kosturos' portrayal of Ali was superior--the entire cast exceptional. The movie is about a newly-arrived teenage immigrant who becomes the brunt of prejudice in the time of the Iranian hostage crisis. It is a touching and inspirational sports story showing that tenacity and strength of character win out over adversity. I cried more than once and left the theater feeling inspired. Good for kids and adults.

There are some reviews really ripping on the details on the film, and it is definitely a little formulaic. But it's got a very good cast, some good performances, a good soundtrack, and it overall an enjoyable movie. Some of the elements they try to incorporate to make it a little different than other sports films night not all work, but for a small film that I would guess didn't have a huge budget I think they did a very good job.

This is an inspirational film and I am glad that I watched it. I will ask my kids to watch it, for several reasons not to go into on imdb - but it is well done for a movie of its type. A good showing from the characters and a "real" story. I liked it.