IRON CLAW (2023): REVIEW

 

"Iron Claw 2023" grapples with the larger-than-life world of professional wrestling like a wrestler in a spandex suit full of energy and flair but lacking the depth to pin down its audience.

In this tale of the Von Erich clan, director Sean Durkin sets the stage with a powerhouse cast led by Zac Efron, who flexes his acting muscles as the noble Kevin Von Erich. Jeremy Allen White stumbles into the ring as the troubled Kerry Von Erich, battling demons as if they were rival wrestlers. Harris Dickinson struts his stuff as David Von Erich, torn between showmanship and guilt, while Stanley Simons reluctantly steps into the ring as Mike Von Erich, wanting to march to the beat of his own drum but ending up in a tag team with destiny. Holt McCallany, as the imposing Fritz Von Erich, plays the role of the overbearing patriarch with a heavyweight presence, but the script keeps him stuck in one corner of the ring, never allowing him to grapple with deeper layers. And speaking of missing brothers, the absence of Chris Von Erich feels like a no-show in a Royal Rumble, leaving fans scratching their heads and wondering who got body-slammed by the editing process.

Despite the lack of emotional connection between the characters, Lily James injects some much-needed charm as Pam, proving that even in the world of wrestling, love finds a way to body-slam its way into the ring.

The film's style, from its nostalgic flashbacks to its cheesy '80s aesthetics, is a fun ride down memory lane, but it's like watching a suplex without the follow-through—a flashy move that doesn't quite stick the landing. And let's not forget the Rush fans in the audience—the iconic "Tom Sawyer" gets a full-body slam treatment, keeping the adrenaline pumping.

Zac Efron's transformation into a wrestling beast is jaw-dropping, but it's like seeing a luchador in a tuxedo—impressive, but doesn't quite fit the bill. And while Maura Tierney brings a sense of loss as the family matriarch, the film's rushed pacing sacrifices character development for historical kicks.

Just when you think you've got a grip on the story, "Iron Claw 2023" throws in a curveball of magical realism, leaving viewers wondering if they've been body-slammed into another dimension. It's like trying to tag out of a match only to find yourself in a steel cage match of disbelief.

Longtime wrestling fans will find comfort in revisiting the excesses of the era, but casual viewers might find themselves tapping out before the final bell rings. In the end, "Iron Claw 2023" is like a botched finishing move—full of potential, but ultimately failing to land the knockout blow.