Unstoppable
Unstoppable is streaming on Amazon Prime at the time of writing. Rated PG-13. Common Sense says 13+.
The life story of wrestler Anthony Robles, who was born with one leg and won a national championship in 2011 while competing at Arizona State University.
STORY: C
The story emphasizes events over emotions.
Have no doubt - Anthony’s story will inspire you to reset the limits of what greatness can be. But the storytelling never emphasizes the emotional aspects of his story over its facts.
At one point (no spoilers), Anthony’s team extends him a beautiful gesture because they love him so much. I’m sure it was an incredible moment in real life, but at that point in the film we’ve barely heard twenty words spoken between Anthony and his teammates. We understand it happened, but we don’t get to feel what Anthony or his friends felt.
PEOPLE: C+
Jennifer Lopez rises above her talented co-stars.
Pundits like to label Jennifer Lopez as a “bankable” star. It’s always seemed a backhanded compliment, implying some lack of acting talent. If you’ve seen Hustlers, you already know Lopez is a fantastic actor. If you haven’t, you certainly will after watching Unstoppable. She shines here as Anthony’s supportive mother.
She’s surrounded by a group of top notch actors (Jharrel Jerome, Don Cheadle, Bobby Cannavale, and Micheal Pena) who unfortunately don’t match the excellence they’ve each shown before.
FILM NERD STUFF: C-
Some understandable camera choices don’t always pan out.
The camera closes in on Anthony’s face during times of trauma or stress, and the cinematographer often decides to switch to a handheld camera at these moments. The shaky camerawork is meant to mimic the roiling emotions swirling and storming inside Anthony’s head.
It’s a smart choice, but unfortunately not an effective one. The wobbling frame often distracts during these important moments instead of amplifying them.
ONE BIG LESSON A+
Disabilities are no reason for a dream to be deferred.
The film functions as a mirror and a window. People with disabilities will see themselves reflected in Anthony and be inspired to chase their dreams. Able bodied people who are quick to dismiss disabled people’s dreams will recalibrate their ideas of what is possible. We can all work together to help every one’s dream come true.
FINAL COMMENTS:
Movies have more than the power to teach us about the lives of incredible people like Anthony Robles. They also contain the power to allow entrance into their world so that we may truly feel what their lives are like. I don’t think Unstoppable uses that latter power to the most of its abilities.
There is no denying the inspirational power of Anthony’s story. I recommend that everyone learn as much about it as they can. And yes, that means I recommend this film. But that doesn’t mean I think this particular telling of it does his story justice.