Looking for an inspirational and heart-warming family story? Look no further as the movie “Unstoppable” (PG-13) is based on the true story of Anthony Robles, played by Jharrel Jerome, an NCAA Champion wrestler who was born without a right leg. The movie focuses on his humble upbringing in Mesa, Arizona, where he was raised by his single mother and played by the amazing Jennifer Lopez in one of her best performances to date.
The film is based on Robles’ own 2012 autobiography, Unstoppable: From Underdog to Undefeated: How I Became a Champion. His backstory is shown living with a single mom through his years as a teenage athlete determined to work his way to the top despite the odds and roadblocks stacked against him. We see not only the physical challenges Anthony faced but also his volatile home life, especially with his mom’s boyfriend, played by a bullying step-dad Bobby Cannavale. Through it all, he develops a resilient spirit; notwithstanding doubts from his coaches and teammates, he excels in wrestling.
Jharrel Jerome, who stars as Robles, has both his legs, requiring some clever digital effects to make him look like he doesn’t—and some seamless stunt doubling by Robles himself, who serves as a producer of the film. It’s impressive to see just on a technical level because you’ll absolutely believe you’re watching a teen with only one leg. A quote from the movie sums up his devoted reasoning behind his brutal training schedule, “Having one leg won’t be the most important thing about me if I win.”
The director is William Goldenberg, known in Hollywood for his award-winning editing work. He competed against himself in the Film Editing category at the 2013 Oscars, as he was nominated for Best Film Editing for both “Argo” and “Zero Dark Thirty” (he won for the former). Here, you’ll see incredible shots and angles that heighten the film in the hands of a seasoned director. Watching the wrestling scenes and his workouts, you become exhausted as a viewer, as the intensity is so real.
The performances by all of the cast are outstanding. Michael Pena and Don Cheadle play coaches and mentors. They, too, were doubters but changed their minds after working with Robles. The movie is full of heart and perseverance; it’s one of my favorite films this year. Be sure to see “Unstoppable,” streaming today, January 16, 2025, on Amazon Prime.
*All photos courstey of Amazon Prime
Sarah Knight Adamson© January 16, 2025
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