William Goldenberg, an award-winning editor for Argo, makes his directorial debut with the feature film Unstoppable, about the real life of wrestler Anthony Robles (portrayed by Jharrel Jerome in his first lead role in a feature). Robles, born with only one leg, has had the love and support of his mother, Judy (portrayed by Jennifer Lopez). The drama also stars Bobby Cannavale, Michael Peña, and Don Cheadle. This film is a good biographical sports drama about a determined athlete.
Scripted by Eric Champnella, Alex Harris and John Hindman, it is an adaptation of the 2012 book “Unstoppable: From Underdog to Undefeated: How I Became a Champion” by Robles and Austin Murphy. The wrestler’s story is from his senior year at Mesa High School in Arizona, where he became a national champion through his efforts in college and won the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) championship, competing for Arizona State University.
Robles was born without a right leg and dreamed of becoming a wrestler. His mother, Judy, supports his goals, but the man she is married to, Rick Robles (Bobby Cannavale), does not provide the same. Rick is very harmful, putting him down, and out of necessity and care for the other family members, he is growing up knowing abuse from this man. He has four younger half-siblings from Judy and Rick’s relationship and stays to make sure they stay safe from Rick’s dark side. Anthony Robles was determined to meet his goals despite the challenges. He rose to win a national championship.
At first, Anthony was offered a full four-year scholarship by Philly’s Drexel University. His mother, Judy, and Anthony’s high school coach, Bobby Williams (Michael Peña), urge him to accept after Anthony hesitates. Arizona State Coach Sean Charles (Don Cheadle) agrees to meet Anthony at the request of Coach Williams, although knowing details about limitations at the school.
Anthony’s relationship with his mother is protective. Lopez is excellent as the character living a life of mixed emotions: pride in Anthony and the other children, then pain and disappointment in her relationship with Rick. Judy is shown to become stronger, change, and take more charge of home life and management. She becomes resilient and resourceful.
The real Anthony Robles is a stunt double for the wrestling scenes in certain shots, with Jerome appearing in tight shots. Additional cast: Mykelti Williamson, Shawn Hatosy, Johnni DiJulius
Alexandre Desplat’s lovely score
Rated PG-13, 1 hour 56 minutes
The world premiere was at this year’s Toronto Film Festival, and in October, it was screened at the Austin Film Festival. The film will debut in select theaters across the U.S. and UK this December and will be streaming on Prime Video in January.
Source: Amazon MGM Studios, AFF