Flash Movie Review: The Iron Claw

IF I HAD BEEN THE REFEREE and had seen the parent yelling at his son after the game, I would have banned him from all future games. I have been to enough sports games to watch the children of friends and family, and there is always at least one parent who is the aggressive one close to the action. This one father was yelling at his kid throughout the game but did throw out a couple of barbs at the umpires. For me, it simply makes the experience of watching the game uncomfortable. I do not know about you, but I do not want to hear parents reprimanding their children during a game. Even after the game, what could their child have done that warranted such ugly behavior. It is only a game and if the kid is trying their best then that is all that matters, at least to me. It is not like there are scouts in the audience or television deals waiting to bestow riches upon the young child. The dad was tugging at the boy’s jersey while telling him what he did wrong; I found it disgusting. I mean really, talk about an embarrassing moment in one’s life. That father should be ashamed of himself. As you would imagine, it looked like tears were rolling down the boy’s face.      I USED TO WORK WITH A woman who pushed her daughter into theater, because it was something she started to do when she was young but could not sustain it. It always made me wonder if there are many parents who try to live their lives through their children. Was that father yelling at his child during and after the game, wanting his son to be just like him; or even better? The person I worked with was constantly driving her daughter to various auditions, photo shoots, and a multitude of stores to find unique items for her to wear so she would stand out. I can still remember the day she told me her daughter decided she did not want to act anymore; this woman was despondent. She walked around the office with such a sad face and as if she had nothing left to live for (my own observation). There was a time afterward where her daughter was in the neighborhood and wanted to take her mother out to lunch. I was hoping in a way that there would have been a moment I could ask the daughter if she had grown up wanting to be an actress, but I decided it was not my place to ask her. I am afraid I do not understand this desire or need for parents to live out their dreams/fantasies through their children. And this dramatic sports biography certainly proves my point.      HAVING A SET OF SONS WAS all former wrestler Fritz Von Erich, played by Holt McCallany (Fight Club, Nightmare Alley), needed to finally reach his wish of building a legacy. His desires, unbeknownst to him, also set up a separate more emotional legacy. With Zac Efron (Ricky Stanicky, The Greatest Showman) as Kevin Von Erich, Jeremy Allen White (Fingernails, The Bear-TV) as Kerry Von Erich, Harris Dickinson (Beach Rats, Where the Crawdads Sing) as David Von Erich and Maura Tierney (Beautiful Boy, ER-TV) as Doris Von Erich; this film based on a true story was riveting to me. I had never heard about this family until I saw this movie. I thought the acting was excellent and felt this was one of Zac’s best roles. I still do not know if his body was real, or CGI enhanced; it was so bulked up. The story was an emotional one; I, at times, could not believe some of the scenes I was watching because they had that same air of uncomfortableness I was talking about earlier in this review. After seeing this picture, I am curious to find clips of the actual wrestling family that made a name for themselves in the early 1980’s.             

3 ½ stars

About moviejoltz

From a long line of movie afficionados, one brother was the #1 renter of movies in the country with Blockbuster, I am following in the same traditions that came before me. To balance out the long hours seated in dark movie theaters, I also teach yoga and cycling. For the past 3 years, I have correctly picked the major Oscar winners... so join me as we explore the wonder of movies and search for that perfect 4 star movie.

Posted on May 28, 2024, in Drama and tagged , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink. 6 Comments.

  1. I watched this movie on a flight. In such contexts, I usually select a movie I do not mind being distracted from, something maybe a bit throwaway or that I don’t anticipate holding my full attention. However, I found this film to be compelling and emotionally engaging from start to finish. As a study of toxic masculinity and dysfunctional parenting, I thought it was really well done. I was also blown away by Efron’s performance, a level of acting I had not expected from him.

    • I agree 100%, I could not believe Zac’s performance; it was amazing. What a movie to watch on a flight. lol But, I am glad you saw and enjoyed it.

      • I don’t usually watch movies when I am flying – I read instead – but I was solo on an overnight transatlantic flight and everyone else was trying to sleep so I decided to just plug in headphones and try a film. I probably should have picked something light weight but I wasn’t giving my selection enough thought.

      • Wow, you are a trouper for doing this film on a late night transatlantic flight. Thanks for telling me.

  2. I’ve wondered about this movie since it was first discussed but never imagined it would be made. I grew up in Dallas watching Fritz von Eric on Saturday nights live from the Sportatorium. He was genuine legend of Texas wrestling. His signature hold, the Iron Claw, was something every kid practiced on our brothers and sisters. If the movie is as exciting, I know I’ll love it. Thanks Jordan!

    • Thank you for sharing the history about this incredible family. I think you would really enjoy seeing this movie. Please let me know if you do get to see it, thanks Paul.

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