[SPOILERS] The Film Club Discussion - Warrior

What did you like and/or dislike about the film? Why?
I liked the last half hour of the movie showing the tournament playing out. Watching Brendan as the underdog take on a lot of tough competition really brought out the suspense in the fight scenes. The acting was superb. The script and story were pretty formulaic, though never cringe-worthy. To be honest, I'm not a fan of the mixed martial arts genre in general, so I was overall fairly disinterested in the story throughout most of the movie. I didn't much get into the dysfunctional family issues that the plot dealt with, especially because not only was there a lack of any decent resolution to these plot points, but it also never bothers elaborating what even happened between the brothers and their father that created all this animosity between them. It's also stretching the imagination quite a bit that Brendan's big solution to his foreclosure crisis is entering into a world class winner-take-all tournament where his chances are slim to none at actually winning the multi-million dollar prize, but I'll let that one slide since the movie has bigger issues than that.

Was there something you did not understand in the film?
The lack of exposition regarding the brothers' familial issues beyond the fact that their father used to be a drunkard made it sometimes hard to follow what their gripes with each other were.

Would you improve anything about the film?
As I inherently have a disinterest in the genre, there's not a whole lot that could be done to elevate it beyond just decent status for me, but one thing I think could have been done is adding 5 more minutes to the film to allow for some closure. What does Brendan end up doing with the money? Does he share some of it with his brother to help with his cause of supporting that widow? I want to see him shoving that money in the bank's face too and watching the look on that loan officer when the house can suddenly be completely paid off. And do the brothers make amends with their father afterward? These things could have all been given resolution to if they just took even 5 minutes of extra time to wrap up. The movie just ends immediately after the climax.

What was your favourite scene?
When Tommy takes down that punk a second time without even hardly trying after the guy talks so much smack about getting payback on him.

Were you satisfied with the ending?
Overall, yes. As I already mentioned there's improvements that could be made, but it works.

What is your overall rating?
6/10. Considering that I don't normally care about this genre I was still able to marginally enjoy it, so I give it some creds.

What did you like and/or dislike about the film? Why?

What I liked about the film was the actual fights. I have been a huge martial arts / action genre fan since before I can remember... I think my father missed not having any sons so instead wanted to get me into the "better, non-sissy movies" as he put it.

I wish the movie had further elaborated on the family issues in the beginning. We get a father who obviously was a drunk, causing in some way for the mother to leave with the children. I gathered (and it may be wrong), that Tommy felt a rift with his brother because he choose a woman over going into the service and then felt guilt because he himself then deserted. Which is why they incorporated Tommy not tapping out until his brother spoke during their fight.

Another thing that annoyed me... The widow of the serviceman... she would have known that Tommy deserted and would understand the meaning of him using his mother's maiden name. Yet she comes out on T.V. to announce who he is.... So that the military MPs can arrest him after the match??? Completely not realistic... If they had proof he committed a crime, (which they did), there would be no waiting... he would have been arrested on the spot.... Well that's just movie logic for you anyway... The scene was important in the film so that everyone knew they were brothers before they fought, I understand that... but it could have come out in a more realistic way...

Was there something you did not understand in the film?

Like I said before, I think that I had the brother relationship/rift worked out... but would have liked a little more to go on. Was the father abusive? It's said that the boy were close to their mother, but she is rarely mentioned at all. What was the incident that caused Brendan to not want his father near his family?

Would you improve anything about the film?

Just a little more backstory... I understand this is a fight movie and the majority of the film will be about the fight/training for the fight... But if you are going to mention the backstory don't leave it half assed.

What was your favourite scene?

Since I am a Marine brat... The scene where they sing the Marine Corps Hymn... Yes they don't know he deserted at this point... but it shows a solidarity that is just.... priceless.

Were you satisfied with the ending?

Yes and no. Yes because as far as Hollywood goes, it was a good emotional ending. No because they could have done so much better... Made it more realistic... I would have also liked to see 5 or even 10 minutes more in the film... What happens to Tommy? Does he get arrested, and does his act of heroism negate the desertion charges. I too would have liked to see Brendan throw the money in the bank's face... and tell them where they can shove it. A punch to that accountant wouldn't hurt either... XD And does he get his job back as a teacher or is he permanently gone because of his fighting? What does he do with that money? I also wanted to know if he gave some to that widow... And from my nurse's view I really want to know what Tommy's and Brendan's injuries were.... >.<

Just too many questions left unanswered...

What is your overall rating?

7/10

Even though it had it's drawbacks... it still was an ok movie, and I enjoyed watching it.

What did you like and/or dislike about the film? Why?
I enjoyed this film. I particularly liked the way the final fight between the brothers was so emotionally charged, it was not just a fight to win the money but to also try and get their family back. I have to agree that it would have been better to have some more details on the background of the family and the events prior to the films start.

Was there something you did not understand in the film?
It's not that I didn't understand it just would have helped to know more on what happened to the family.

Would you improve anything about the film?
More info on the family history and maybe some details of the events following the fight.

What was your favourite scene?
I also loved the scene when Tommy just knocked Mad Dog out for the second time after all that showing off.

Were you satisfied with the ending?
Mostly.

What is your overall rating?
7/10