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Arts & Entertainment

'Warrior' Is a Real Champ

Two brothers face MMA combat in one of the best sports movies I have seen in years. If you're not careful, you may take a punch to the heart in this emotional film that will surely get some Oscar consideration.

Two brothers slug out their emotional baggage in the moving, melodramatic sports movie Warrior.

Joel Edgerton plays Brendan, a family man who earns a living as a daytime teacher and extra cash moonlighting as a fighter. His brother Tommy, played by Tom Hardy, is a brooding war veteran who has returned home under mysterious circumstance. Their father Paddy (played by Nick Nolte) is a once violent alcoholic who is now sober. The brothers have grown apart and dislike each other. The only thing they have in common is the hatred they share for their father and all his years of abuse.

Through a series of MMA or mixed martial arts fights, the two brothers face off in a winner-take-all cage match. Brendan needs the money to save his home and family, Tommy wants to win for a friend and fallen soldier. Paddy just wants his sons back.

The brutal MMA fighting is a perfect backdrop for this family drama that just may leave lump in your throat. As a side note, Jennifer Morrison plays a solid supporting role as Brendan's wife, Tess. It would have been nice to see her character play a more prominent part in the storyline. In any event, kudos to director Gavin O'Connor who also directed the popular film Miracle. He has created a film that could have been quite predictable. Thumbs up for tweaking the sports movie formula in a way that I have not seen before.

The flick-o-meter gives Warrior five out of five. It is really impossible not to recommend this movie. The physical and mental conflicts, crisp acting, and great storyline are just too good. This film should be recognized come awards time. Is it in the same category as a Rocky, Raging Bull, or even The Fighter? We will see.

Whip out your phone out and scan the QR code in the video. It will take you to my new Facebook page. Post a question or a comment. Let me know what you think about some of the movies that are coming out. You can also find me under "TheBrettside <http://www.facebook.com/#%21/TheBrettside>" on Facebook.

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