Fighting With My Family is a solid, fun time

When is a movie that stars The Rock not a movie that starts The Rock? Fighting With My Family has Dwayne Johnson in it, but it’s not a typical movie that has him in it. In its place, Fighting With My Family has become an unlikely, feel-good film about overcoming obstacles despite the odds that are stacked against you. Think of Fighting With My Family as a WWE companion to Creed. Both of these movies succeed and audiences will enjoy them; even if they know nothing or don’t appreciate, the sport that each of these films live in.

It’s worth nothing that I am a fan of WWE, however my knowledge on Paige was, and is limited. This film, was inspired by the documentary, Fighting With My Family from 2012-which was itself the true story of Paige’s family in Norwich, England.

Some, nay, many movie goers will be put off by the fact that this is a film based on the story of a WWE wrestler and that is too bad. Fighting With My Family is a surprising film that mixes in humor, drama, a family with dynamics that most people can relate to and wears its heart fully on its sleeve.

I don’t like wresting or WWE you say? This film fully addresses the reasons why you (think you) don’t like WWE. It’s storytelling with Spandex, it’s rigged and all fake. It’s understandable why people think that and Fighting With My Family doesn’t shy away from those that do. And, just to be clear, the outcomes are predetermined, but how the wrestlers get to them is entirely up to them, their athletic prowess, ad-libs and the crowds.

The WWE naysayers in the film are portrayed by Stephen Merchant and Julia Davis as Hugh and Daphne. They’re the parents to a young girl who has been knocked up by Zak Knight, who is Paige’s brother. Those parents come over for dinner, the two worlds collide and the Knight family receives a phone call that will change their lives forever.

Saraya (who hasn’t yet changed her name to Paige) and her brother are invited to a WWE tryout in London. It’s here where we meet Hutch, played by Vince Vaughn who becomes a narrator of sorts for the rest of the film. He’s a talent scout for WWE and becomes a lot of the humor and sounding board for the training that the wrestlers endure.

Throw in some scenes with The Rock and Fighting With My Family is a very entertaining ride. The Rock isn’t in the film for too long, but when he is it’s the equivalent of having Darth Vader or Santa Claus appear in a Star Wars or Christmas movie. He has an energy that carries those around him and simply makes you smile. His common sense description of professional wrestling is one that will make fans of the sport, even if you’re not looking to become one. Even if they don’t, they’ll see a very entertaining and inspirational movie that will surprise you at every turn.