Reversal

Generally speaking, American films are the best in the world. The English expect their films to resemble stage plays, the French demand a ballet of sorts, the Italians need to see an opera on the screen, and the Germans, a military maneuver. But American film is traditionally obligated only to provide fun and excitement as it explores the caves in which life has been hiding. "Reversal" does just that.

Unlike many movies about the problems of ordinary people, however, "Reversal" portrays the ordinary people as ones you'd like to know, not as posturing dimwits and disjointed rubes. And unlike most "coming of age" movies, it focuses on a specific conflict -- the one between father and son; "Reversal" does not expose the protagonists (and us) to unrelated difficulties and extraneous events, for the sake of "color."

The wrestling scenes are perfectly executed, and almost overpower the underlying art of this dramatic film -- but not quite. The acting is simple, and surprising effective. The sets are immediately comfortable, and the camera moves like an Oklahoman. If only it has occasionally shown us, as a brief glance, some silent expression or bird-on-the-wing that was somehow supplementary to the dialogue -- a loose end -- "Reversal" could have been a small masterpiece. As is, it's a "7."

Kevin Cisneros

My son and I went to see this movie together. Over the past years(18 to be exact) we both grew up together in the sport of wrestling. Although our relationship was different from Jimi's it was also very much the same. All fathers want their children to have opportunities that they didn't have and want to be a positive influence (roll model) in their life. However, in doing so we all make mistakes. We never intend to do anything or say anything that will hurt our children, but sometimes it happens anyway. The sport of wrestling requires a lot of dedication, because you not only have to watch your weight constantly, you also have to keep up your grades at the same time. We all want our sons to be State Champions and go to a Division I college with a full ride so the more talent they have the more we push them. Unfortunately sometimes we push them too hard and we push them right out of the sport and away from us. It is very important to understand what your children want, not what you want for your children. This movie was very true to life and it really hits home. No matter how you and your sons personal life has turned out you will see things that you can relate to in this movie. It was portrayed very realisticly and the wrestling scenes were great. Can't wait until it comes to our area so I can go see it again.

Hard to believe this movie was made for only $500,000. Very professional, beautifully photographed, and it held my interest. Most, if not all, the acting was quite good. Good depiction of how high school wrestling used to be. However, with the pot, alcohol and references to sex, I would say it is inappropriate for my high school wrestler to see.

A decent movie that makes you think about athletics in general from a parent's perspective. This could be about parents wanting anything that they value for their child.

I felt the Dad was a good dad that was making the best with the hand delt him. He did not push his son without caring for him or without some reason. Some make the Dad look awful and that is not the truth. None of them had a great home life. He was not even the stereotypical father that was living through his son's victories becasue he was state champ himself. He just wanted his son to have a college education, that he did not have. He wanted more for his son than a mining job like him.

The wrestling was very good but you don't see that much sports action. I gave this movie a 7. I only gave it a seven for the fact that some of the choices were not how I think a human in that situation would choose. I also feel there were some situations in the movie not explained or were not real. The wrestling was real but some of the situations did not come off to me as real. The movie seemed to have an identiy crisis, it did not know what it wanted to be.

The word "reversal" is a scoring term in competitive wrestling. It is also the title of an Alan Vint directed film about a high school wrestler named Leo who questions his own motivations for wrestling, and confronts his well-meaning but pushy father who also happens to be the wrestling team coach. The father sees a wrestling scholarship as a way for his son to escape a dreary future working in the Pennsylvania coal fields that surround the town where the story takes place. The kid appreciates his father's love, but grows tired of the endless training and self-discipline. A big issue in the story is the unhealthful practice of weight loss that was, at one time, part of the real-life training regimen among American high school wrestlers.

Based on the real life of wrestler and screenwriter Jimi Petulla, "Reversal" is a simple, straightforward story packaged in a film devoid of stylistic flourishes. What you see is what you get. As such, the film comes across as an after school special, aimed mostly at young wrestlers and other athletes. On the other hand, non-athletes may find value in the film as a realistic portrayal of the relationship between father and son, in contemporary America.

The film's strength is also its weakness. Real-life wrestlers play key roles. Hence, the wrestling matches are quite authentic. But wrestlers do not necessarily make good actors. And in this film, their performances, for the most part, are wooden and stilted. Indeed, the real-life wrestler who portrays Leo mumbles his lines, rendering dialogue that is almost inaudible at times. I was impressed, however, with the performance of Kelly Vint, as Leo's romantic interest.

For a low-budget film, "Reversal" is well made. The cinematography looks professional and the soundtrack sounds professional. Given the film's runtime and the simple plot, the pace could have been improved with some editing out of unnecessary scenes.

"Reversal" reminds me of the film "Prefontaine" (1997), which has a similar theme, though different sport. The plots of both films convey a sense of the constant and agonizing struggles required of young athletes, as they train to win. Ultimately, as "Reversal" shows, it's up to each young athlete, not the parents, to say whether "being a winner" is worth all that pain and sacrifice.