There is a reason I mention the run time of the movies in the title of the post. For me, time is the most valuable commodity (if it can be called that) and I don't want to waste the precious moments of my life watching some bull shit masquerading as entertainment.
I have had this with me for the past six years, I think. My friends have recommended this to me many times. But I haven't succumbed to the temptation.
Part of the reason has been its pathetic rating on almost all critics' websites. The reason is not very difficult to fathom. It has few new things to offer.
The film tells the story of Jake,an impudent youngster, who is a member of the ship builders' community. His community lives right across the Naval Academy, separated by a water body. He is driven by his mother's dream and wants to join the Academy.
He is also a boxer.
So. like many cliched movies which have boxing and the underdog as their subject materials,this also moves on the tried and tested path.
Jake gets a chance to join the Academy, has people from different races as his room partners and gets into confrontations with his seniors.
There is also a sidetrack of him falling for a female from the Academy.
The second half of the movie has this boxing tournament called the Brigade and it is a chance for Jake to finally make his mark.
Is he able to realize his true potential? Or does his own nature ends up being his worst enemy?
The best part about the movie is Franco. He is a fine actor who really tries to get in the mind of the character he is essaying no matter how shitty the movie happens to. His eyes convey the intensity of his emotions and he does a wonderful job as the head strong but kindhearted Jake.
The direction by Justin Lin (Fast and the Furious) is nothing to write home about. It is competent and the boxing matches have been shot well. But still there is this sense of deja vu because I have seen this shit so many times, in so many better movies.
The other characters are as trite as they can get. There is an Asian fellow who is filled with competitive spirit but after losing to Jake, becomes great pal with him. "What the fuck" was what my mind shouted.
The actress is both ugly and bad. She must be having Lin's sex tapes or something to bag a starring role in this. Personally, I would ask her to stay the fuck away from her own wedding video.
This is recommended for those who would love to watch something which doesn't strain their brain too much. Others can hop and skip over this.
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