Warrior

Warrior feels like a glorified commercial for Tapout. But like all good commercials, Warrior strikes an emotional chord, even if elements verge on a Bloodsport level of cheesiness. Two estranged brothers (Joel Edgerton, Tom Hardy) are brought back into the world of mixed martial arts when a multi-million dollars championship (surprisingly, hosted by Tapout) is announced. Edgerton, a high school physics teacher who is facing foreclosure, battles up the ranks of the MMA world only to discover that his brother, an Iraq war veteran, is fighting in the same competition. Thus ensues a heartfelt tale about family, patriotism and kneeing guys in the face. Warrior isn’t as dynamic as 2010’s The Fighter, but still has enough of a storyline to entertain viewers unfamiliar with the MMA universe. And if you like training montages, it can’t be beat. –Matthew Ritchie