In 2011, college wrestler Anthony Robles won an NCAA National Championship in his weight class for Arizona State University. While this might sound like a standard, uneventful story, the fact is that he accomplished this honor with only one leg. Robles was born with only one leg and had to grow up with this limitation, which completely changed how he did things. Robles would eventually find a passion for sports, particularly wrestling, while in school.
There is much more to Robles’ story, but I prefer to let my readers discover this fantastic and remarkable story the way that I did. I was completely unaware of this incredible accomplishment because I am not an avid fan of college sports besides football and basketball. I also witnessed the struggles Robles encountered during his personal life and the troubles his loving mother faced while raising him. Director William Goldberg tells of this incredible and emotional journey in Unstoppable.
Raised by his single mother, Judy (Jennifer Lopez), Anthony Robles (Jharrel Jerome) makes a name for himself as a high school wrestling athlete in Mesa, Arizona under the training of coach Bobby Williams (Michael Pena). During his senior year, Anthony faces a tough decision. Though he aspires to join the championship wrestling team at Iowa University, it seems that his “disability” is looked upon unfavorably. There are other factors at play, though. Judy is no longer a single mother and has married a corrections officer named Rich (Bobby Cannavale), who has some serious problems of his own. Rich and Judy also have several other children to raise. Despite his limitations, Anthony remains driven and is willing to put in the work necessary to succeed at the collegiate level while remaining close to home to care for his family.
Though this movie and story sound somewhat formulaic, the true story about Robles and his journey to greatness is undeniably inspirational. It helps that director William Goldenberg and screenwriters Eric Champanella, Alex Harris, and John Hindman have adapted Robles’ story into a riveting and emotional film that absolutely works tremendously well. Though underdog stories are a dime-a-dozen in cinema, I felt emotionally moved by Anthony Robles’ journey.
The film features an incredible cast, with Jharrel Jerome beautifully capturing the charisma, drive, and tenacity that made Anthony Robles a role model for anyone with a disability. I was also impressed with Jennifer Lopez, who shines here as Anthony’s mother Judy. Bobby Cannavale is uncharacteristically hateful as Anthony’s deadbeat and abusive stepfather. Also outstanding in this movie are Michael Pena and Don Cheadle as Anthony’s coaches.
Unstoppable is now available for streaming via Amazon Prime and is a triumphant film I highly recommend.