Movie Review: “Fighting with my family” shows the importance of following dreams

Photo+Courtesy+of+Wikimedia+Commons

Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Jared Ferguson, Staff Reporter

World Wrestling Entertainment has become a hallmark of television since its inception with numerous charismatic entertainers in the business, one of whom has an inspirational story subject to the latest film by the organization, known as “Fighting with My Family.”

“Fighting with My Family” is based on the true story of Saraya-Jade Bevis, an English wrestler who is given the chance to become a star for WWE in America, eventually taking on the stage name “Paige.”

Unfortunately, this leads to a feud with her family due to her brother’s jealousy of not making the cut and Bevis being unsure of whether her career as a professional wrestler was truly her dream or something her parents forced on her. The film ultimately teaches the important lesson of pursuing one’s dreams but also retaining their own identity.

“Fighting with My Family” is interesting because its premise could easily have led to an alienation of critics of professional wrestling, but its message is handled with such heart and applicability that it could be applied to numerous untold stories. This is reflected in the excellent writing and the chemistry between the actors playing members of the Bevis family that captures the drama of the Saraya’s career perfectly.

The lead actress, Florence Pugh, deserves special mention for her ability to produce the eccentric awkwardness of Paige’s personality, as well as her sardonic attitude in dealing with the fish-out-of-water situation of dealing with WWE’s tendency to hire wrestlers with much less experience in legitimate wrestling. Pugh’s portrayal of Bevis’s more socially awkward tendencies can also inspire success and courage for those who perhaps feel like outsiders in the face of adversity.

In general, the performances are excellent and another that deserves much credit would be that of comedic actor Vince Vaughn, who plays Bevis’s coach. Normally Vaughn is known for portraying the more comedic straight male but in “Fighting with my Family,” he takes on a more dramatic role of dealing with a stern but secretly caring professional.

That is not to say that the film is perfect. The film does drag at times in terms of pacing, the worst of which can be found in the beginning of the film. There are also select moments where the writing can be slightly campy and hurts certain dramatic scenes in the film. However, these criticisms are fairly few and far between.

“Fighting with My Family” is certainly a great film, for its inspirational story of following one’s dreams and dealing with the importance of family. It is highly recommended, even for those who are perhaps not a fan of professional wrestling because its story is handled in such an applicable manner.