So despite having a dozen or so intelligent movies on my phone I was persuaded by Facebook to download and watch this.
Which, I'm rather ashamed to admit, I rather enjoyed. Think "Rocky" but updated for the MMA world, and with a few "Plot Twists" which are really rather predictable and the only "twist" is that they resolve themselves exactly as you'd expect.
That said, I can't in good conscience recommend it.
A few of the cinematic "sins" I observed - and they were big ones!!!! -
The Russian as the feared opponent (geopolitical)
The American Military showing up to applaud the "War Hero"
The High School cheering on their favourite teacher...
The resolution - red/blue gloved brothers - as perhaps a nod for an increasingly divisive America to unite...(but 2011, and whoever this director was it wasn't Nostradamus).
Anyways, well reviewed, crafted, but complete and utter bollocks, and I'm ashamed to say I enjoyed and now am off to question my life choices...