‘The Iron Claw’ review: Zac Efron’s wrestling movie is punishing
nypost.comWatching “The Iron Claw” can feel like getting slammed with a metal folding chair over and over again.So bludgeoning are the true and tragic circumstances that befell the famous Von Erich wresting family during the 1980s and 90s, which director Sean Durkin’s film depicts.Running time: 130 minutes.
Rated R (language, suicide, some sexuality and drug use.) In theaters.Starting about halfway through the movie that stars Zac Efron in prime meathead mode, a shaken man sitting next to me in the theater repeatedly whispered “What the f–k?” about fifty times.
That is one wise three-word review.Because that’s what holds back Durkin’s generally well-made film — just how punishing putting this ugly history up onscreen can be and how ultimately little payoff there is in doing so.
At first, the four Von Erich brothers (there were actually five, but one was cut from the story for time) have a sweet “Thank God I’m A Country Boy” bond as portrayed by a somewhat unlikely ensemble of actors.Efron makes natural sense as Kevin, the most enthusiastic fighter of the pack who nevertheless can’t wrestle much approval from his hardnosed father/manager Fritz (Holt McCallany).But the other performers, who are certainly expanding their horizons, find a comfortable place in the ring also.
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