Based on a true story, director William Goldenberg’s “Unstoppable” follows Anthony Robles (Jharrel Jerome), a wrestler born with only one leg, through his journey to become a collegiate champion as he competes against the school that rejected him.
“Unstoppable” premiered at Austin Film Festival on Saturday. An inspiring, beat-all-odds story, this film initially appears no different from the rest. The opening scene takes the audience to 2006 at the High School Senior Nationals in Philadelphia. The camera focuses on Anthony, a senior from Arizona, and his sole left leg as he prepares to compete in the championship match with his coach (Michael Peña). Filmmakers give the audience no time to feel sorry because, in the blink of an eye, Anthony slams his opponent to the ground to take the championship title.
Action-packed with blood, sweat and tears, this film also follows Anthony’s mother Judy Robles (Jennifer Lopez) as she struggles both financially and emotionally in an abusive relationship with Rick (Bobby Cannavale). Lopez delivers arguably one of her best performances, allowing viewers to empathize and grow teary-eyed.
This film centers on Anthony’s top school rejection and his rocky journey in defying all odds as he becomes a walk-on for Arizona State University. Once he joins the ASU wrestling team, he receives encouragement and support from his college coach (Don Cheadle) who initially underestimates him but ultimately sees greatness. Anthony fights his way to the top, proving himself time and time again, eventually becoming undefeated as he strives for the NCAA 2011 national championship in the 125-pound weight class.
Though a film about wrestling, it proves no need to familiarize oneself with any terms. The cinematography provides more than enough detail when trying to understand how the point system works, or which moves the relentless main opponent Matt McDonough (Johnni DiJulius) attempts. The only flaw lies in the lack of true action shots during matches. The camera spans from the anxious audience to the scoreboard but rarely gets closer up to Jerome for those nail-biting flips and holds.
Nevertheless, this script proves the perfect pace, allowing the roughly two-hour run-time to fly by. The visual effects should also be applauded, as they digitally erased Jerome’s right leg from every angle. The real Anthony Robles, co-producer for the movie, also helped with visual authenticity, training Jerome on and off set while working as his stunt double during match scenes.
While “Unstoppable” may follow the formula for every generic underdog film, its deeper subplots and refreshingly realistic worldview prove the film doesn’t drown with all the others — instead, it hikes to the top and braves the heat.
4 1/2 coins in a cup out of 5
