Reversal

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.

Whether or not you like wrestling, this movie is a good story about a parent pushing his kid too hard in athletics. The main character, Leo, is pushed by his father his entire life to be a great wrestler. His dad is even the high school coach. Leo, a district champion, faces a new challenge when a new wrestler, Thurman Ellis (played by Univ. of MO wrestler Jeremy Spates) moves to his town to challenge Leo in his weight class. Leo also struggles throughout the movie to make weight. Some of the scenes with Leo cutting weight shed a bad light on the sport of wrestling but it is an accurate depiction of what some wrestlers go through. This isn't another cheesy remake of Vision Quest. The acting is solid, the wrestling is outstanding and the story in interesting.

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.

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.

I Am a wrestle so nobody can understand how much we go through but us. Losing weight just sucks bad no joke no way to get through it, but what doesn't help for most of us is our parents. They put enormous pressure on us to win. Eventually we just crack like Leo. They nailed this movie perfect and if you liked it watch Vision Quest. Also you people need to get this straight, nobody works harder at a sport then we do, don't even think about comparing seriously lol football plays , baseball, not one of you has it harder then us. We run sweat, run sweat, and work out. Our day consist of running, sweating, practicing and watching people eat. I don't expect you guys to understand but seriously don't judge us you have no idea what hell we go through - - - - -A Wrestlers Opinion.