That was an excellent one.

Bad Acting and worse Bad Screenplay

I really wanted to like this movie. I feel terribly cynical trashing it, and that's why I'm giving it a middling 5. Actually, I'm giving it a 5 because there were some superb performances.

This is one of the few movies I've ever seen where the whole audience broke into spontaneous, loud applause a third of the way in.

This film is not in the same league as Warrior (2011), however if you like never back down, rocky or any JcVD film there is no reason that you will not enjoy this film. People who are looking for an artistic film are looking in the wrong place, this is simply a fighting film so look else where.Yes the acting isn't the best, however it really isn't as bad as some people make out. The directing and camera work are very good and there should be no complaintsThe fight scenes are pretty enjoyable and accurate, proper MMA quick and sharp movements.

Clearly BigDick and Bobb are internet trolls that are wasting screen space, and they more than likely haven't even seen this film. I'd suggest their "reviews" be reported, and their "opinions" ignored.I'd also suggest seeing this film for the extremely impressive MMA fighting and stunts alone, which were in fact performed by the actors themselves. Quite a commitment to a role, I'd say. Brian Batt makes a significant contribution to the film's already high talent base -- always great to see him.In addition, the cinematography is outstanding, the acting solid (Marc Senter is actually brilliant, as usual), and you'll certainly never think of mint juleps in the same way again...

There is a lot of talk these days about how Hollywood has lost its edge, how it makes films by committee, using proved formulas (sequels) for world audiences. All this is true. But this does not mean you should go running to the nearest indie production and pretend that, just because it is indie, it is anti-Hollywood, and therefore worthy of praise. There is a reason indie is indie. Ninety nine times out of 100, it is horrible, wretched, and just plain wrong. Ninety nine times out of 100, indie should be second choice, as in, would you rather have a root canal or watch.... There are exceptions. Look at The Battery, not merely a great indie, but arguably one of the best films of the current decade. The brilliant Jeremy Gardner (talking about The Battery here, don't lose me) wrote a script so tight it squeaks, directed it so well that even the scenery is interesting, and plays the lead so well the film has already won several audience awards at festivals. The Battery is the 1 in 100 that breaks the mold. BRAWLER is the other 99%, rolled into one. Brawler typifies indie junk. Weak script, weak direction, and actors who -- you just know -- have a day job that probably involves making change. Brawler uses "film lipstick" wherever possible (loud noises, an overloud sound track, and fast cutting) to hide what it really is. But nothing can hide what it really is. It is indie. Ugh.

All those involved, from the cast to the DP, director, producer, you name it...they all deserve applause and accolades. This movie tickles you, then pulls you in, then doesn't let you go. Hot fights, subtle undertones, worthy dialog and drama....I give it two thumbs up. There are nice long juicy moments that give the audience credit for having a brain. There are fast paced, hand held, fight scenes that will have you flinching involuntarily. There is brother to brother tension that explodes off the screen, and the girl in the middle...well, along with everyone else involved, she knocks it outta the park. If you liked "The Lost"...if you liked "Fight Club"....if you liked "Snatch"....if you like powerful cinema....you'll like this movie. Kevin Giffin