It may be a remarkable story tailor-made for a Hollywood film, but reviews for Unstoppable have failed, with critics labeling the film as ‘bland’ and ‘formal’.
The film follows the inspiring story of Anthony Robles (Jharrel Jerome), a young sports star who was born with only one leg and overcomes the prejudices of those around him and his own physical limitations to become a champion wrestler.
Although coaches at the top wrestling programs couldn’t see his potential, he was undeterred and trusted his own determination and that of his mother Judy (Jennifer Lopez) unwavering faith in him.
However Unstoppable achieved a big hit at the British box office and disappeared from cinemas after just one week.
Unfortunately, the film only grossed £3,112 in its entire opening weekend in Britain, and was the 55th most-watched film upon release.
After its poor showing at the UK box office, Unstoppable left cinemas in its second week, according to The Sun.
Unstoppable review: Critics’ inspirational sports story brands Anthony Robles as ‘bland’ and ‘formal’ as J-Lo’s latest film tanks at the UK box office
The film follows the inspiring story of Anthony Robles (Jharrel Jerome), a young sports star who was born with only one leg and overcomes the prejudices of those around him and his own physical limitations to become a champion wrestler.
Still, the film receives fairly average reviews from critics Benjamin Lee of The Guardian remained impressed with the biopic.
He wrote, “But more often than not, the film settles for being as boring and standard as the many, many against-all-odds crowd-pleasers that have come before it.”
Benjamin described the dialogue as “pedestrian” and concluded, “Robles isn’t hard to make a case for, but Unstoppable, an exciting but overblown biopic, still tries too hard to get us there.”
Despite praising the performances of J-Lo and lead actor Jharrel Jerome, John Nugent described it as ‘reassuringly formal’.
He wrote, “This is a downright inspiring sports movie made watchable thanks to Jharrel Jerome and Jennifer Lopez.”
In the meantime Laura Stott from The Sun wrote: ‘Based on a true story, this tale of triumph over adversity doesn’t break any new ground, but if you’re looking for a feel-good watch, it’s definitely worth a look.’
Noting the clichés, she added, “There are Rocky-style training homages and characters trot out clichéd motivational sound bites and locker room pep talks about chasing dreams.”
However Variety gave the film a more positive review, as they praised the “extraordinary” story and added that it is J-Lo’s most complete performance to date.
Unstoppable achieved a big hit at the British box office and disappeared from cinemas after just one week
Still, the film is receiving fairly average reviews according to critics, as The Guardian’s Benjamin Lee was impressed with the biopic.
However, Variety gave the film a more positive review, as they praised the “extraordinary” story and added that it is J-Lo’s most complete performance to date.
Variety wrote: ‘The true story it tells is nothing short of extraordinary, which is perhaps why the filmmakers didn’t feel the need to overhype it’
Owen Gleiberma wrote: ‘The true story it tells is nothing short of extraordinary, which is perhaps why the filmmakers didn’t feel the need to overhype it.
“At home, Anthony relies on his mother, Judy, played by Lopez in what may be the most complete screen performance she has ever given.”
He concluded, “But you might get a whiff of that real ‘Rocky’ feeling towards the end, because the movie has earned it.”
The times also praised the singer’s performance, as Kevin Maher writes: “Lopez has given standout supporting performances in U-Turn, Out of Sight and An Unfinished Life, but none have been as successful and quietly effective as her role as a downtrodden mother from the working class in this exciting underdog story.’
Believing that the film actually avoids the usual sports movie clichés, he concluded: ‘Unstoppable largely manages to avoid that formula.
“Until it doesn’t, the ending is very Hollywood. But it is also, as it turns out, very lifelike.’