The Iron Claw

 

   Written and directed by Sean Durkin, this new sports drama is inspired by the real life story of the Von Erich wrestling family. It is both a story of triumph and also terrible tragedy.

    During the 1980's the Von Erich brothers were wrestling's only family of competitors. They wrestled individually and as a tag team. At times, there was great success but also personal tragedy. The film doesn't shy away from what the family called it's "curse" and while it ends on a positive note, it's actually harbors quite a bit of sadness.

     As the brothers, the film stars Zac Efron (almost unrecognizable), Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson, and Stanley Simons. Their parents are played by Holt McCallany and Maura Tierney. The film also co-stars Lily James and Michael J. Harney. Mr. McCallany has been acting for some time now and this is his best role to date.

     The wrestling scenes are realistically filmed and exciting enough but the pace of the film drags at times. I'm sure wrestling fans familiar with the Von Erich brothers will enjoy the film but even if you are not a fan, it is a fascinating and entertaining (albeit sad) film with very solid acting.