MovieChat Forums > Reversal (2001) Discussion > Wrestling needs LESS movies like this on...

Wrestling needs LESS movies like this one!

posted 15 years ago by michael_wasson
7 replies | jump to latest

If it was Jimi Petulla's goal to make a movie that would help the cause of amateur wrestling...he failed miserably!

No one was more excited about this movie than I was. I thought we were going to get a wrestling movie about wrestling; written by and starring real wrestlers.

I can forgive a lot as far as productive values and "polish" are concerned for independent films...but not in this case. What we *did* get was a movie that chose to exacerbate EVERY negative stereo-type regarding wrestling! Seven year olds sucking weight!

The characters are generally unlikable and unsympathetic. The only interesting person is a pathological liar.

And in the end, the movie says that it is better to quit and leave than resolve a situation.

I officated a high school wrestling match last night that had 4 matches! With movies like this to introduce the general public to this great sport.....I am beginning to understand why.

BTW The whole situation with dramatic weight cutting HAS been dealt with SEVERELY. Wrestlers have to take hydration and body fat tests and are only allowed to lose so much weight/week of the season.

[–] pwmediadvd 14 years ago

What an ass you are and very disrespectful to the filmakers. Chill out Mr "know it all" Michael Wasson its just a dam movie. Its JUST too bad the movie was not made to fullfill your expectations. Every sport has its down falls and its not always a pretty picture. I enjoyed it very much with the great locations and cinemaphotography AND most of all when was the last time we HAD A MOVIE ABOUT AMATUER WRESTLING!

[–] michael_wasson 14 years ago

I am glad that you liked a movie that chose to portray every negative stereotype about the great sport of wrestling. Instead of showing it for the noble endeavor that it is.

Guess I hold greater respect for the sport than you do.

[–] pwmediadvd 14 years ago

Its a movie.

[–] michael_wasson 14 years ago

"Its a movie"

No kidding!? A movie review! On the message boards of a movie website!?

Whatever next?

Yes, it is a movie. One that portrays all the negative aspects to a sport that I love.

It could have shown wrestling for the athletic in a much better light. Especially considering how few movies there are about real wrestling anyway. That is my opinion and I am just as entitled to mine as you are to your's.

Of course, I have not called you an "ass" because your opinion differs from my own. I guess I just have more class.

[–] pwmediadvd 14 years ago

First of all did you ever consider the feelings of the filmmakers,actors and wrestlers in this film. You were really blunt about your review. You could have expressed your feelings with a little more respect.

[–] michael_wasson 14 years ago

I disagree.

If I had been disrespectful. I would have said things like "This movie...(insert appropriate vulgarity)

I did not. I actually said that I could forget the things that normally plague independent films (low budget, green actors et al) if the story is good.

If you read the reviews and previews, this movie was sold as a "family film" and "great for wrestling" I think it was neither. I think the message it sends it that wrestling breeds dysfunctional people and people that are generally devoid of redeeming qualities. And that the only way to deal with your life is to leave school, quit the wrestling team and leave your family?

Not a positive family film or one that promotes the great sport of amatuer wrestling in any positive way.

The only person that showed disrespect in this string is you. Instead of resperctfully telling me that YOUR OPINION differed from mine, you immediately called me an "ass" and a "know it all"

[–] SendMe581 13 years ago

ummm dude,

i dont know where you ref/coach/ do whatever with wrestling, but even those hydration tests, weekly weight checking can be cheated. extreme weight cutting still happens. kids can just cut before the testing, have somone else pee for them (and no the person doing the test can not go in the bathroom and watch minors pee in a cup to ensure this not to happen.)and claim to be slightly taller or smaller then they are. If all else fails its easy to have your family doctor sign a realese from saying that is how your body works and has that low a a fat % and that your hydration is from a sickness. puff there you go.

if anything the system is more dangerous to kids now. now they have to extreme cut all season long instead of the last few weeks for district,etc to states.

so our sport is dangerous and dark behind the scenes no matter how noble you might be, its why it is not for everyone and not just anyone can do it.

Ill catch you on the flip side.