Starring Jennifer Lopez, Bobby Canavale, Michael Pena and Jharell Jerome
Directed by William Goldenberg
Rated PG-13
Streaming on Amazon Prime
First Impression: Unstoppable tells the incredible true story of 2011 NCAA wrestling champion Anthony Robles and how he accomplished this feat with one leg. We have seen many inspiring sports stories before, but this is one of the absolute best. You will be cheering and inspired by the adversity Robles had to overcome.
When we think about sports films, they can often be very formulaic. We see the hero lose early, doubt themselves, and eventually find a way to win in the end. Although these movies can be great cinematically, like Rudy or Remember the Titans, writers sometimes take a few too many liberties with the story, pushing too far into fantasy just to create a more compelling narrative. I, for one, was very disappointed when I found out the real story of Rudy Ruettiger was highly fabricated. Details ranging from his teammates turning in their jerseys to his coach disliking him were false. In real life, Rudy’s coach, Dan Devine, encouraged him and was all for him playing. Perhaps the most memorable part of the film was when Rudy was carried off the field. While that did happen to Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Montana, who played for Notre Dame at the time, he said the team did it as a joke, rather than the triumphant accomplishment portrayed in the film.
So, when I watched Unstoppable, I am happy to report that it stays true to the real story of Anthony Robles. Robles even served as the body double for the actor portraying him. We start by seeing Robles as a dominant high school wrestler who just won the national title in Philadelphia, only to see the wrestler he beat get a full ride scholarship to Anthony’s dream school in Iowa all because Iowa wrestling doesn’t believe he can compete at the next level with only one leg. In fact, he gets only one scholarship offer, and it’s to a school that is not known for producing national champions. Anthony decides to stay home instead and walk on at Arizona State.
The film also goes to great lengths to show how Anthony’s personal life, specifically his loving relationship with his mother (Lopez) and his rocky relationship with his stepfather (Cannavale), shapes and drives him to be the best he can be.
In conclusion, I know football season is starting up and watching a great sports movie can really amp you up for the season. Give this movie a shot; you won’t be disappointed.