It’s unbreakable bond of a family dynasty who go on to achieve the top title of Heavyweight champion, only shortly after to have all but one brother die either of health or suicidal tendencies. That being said, it’s a powerful movie about family through the eyes of brothers who couldn’t be closer.
The Iron Claw stars Zac Efron as Kevin, the one brother who succeeds everyone and holds the Von Erick family together to this day. All in all, Efron does a phenomenal job as he shows the typical sibling rivalry when his brothers gain their own titles and then makes the dramatic turn of emotions stemmed from seeing each brother pass away unexpectedly. One can certain see growth in Efron far from his High School Musical days as he has stepped into a more dramatic role. That being said, he still brings the same “Wildcat” pride as his strive to keep the family together resignates throughout the film.
Additionally, the film stars other actors including, Cinderella‘s Lily James who we also see in a slightly more dramatic role. She steps away from her comedic musical, to play that of wife of (Efron) as she embraces her husband’s struggle with his family ties. She likewise, does an exceptional job of embracing that emotional character.
Other actors playing the brothers include, Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson, and Stanley Simons as well as Maura Tierney who played their mother and Holt McCallany as their overdriving father who seeks to see his sons succeed in his honor. That being said, it’s also a typical story of what many parents invoke on their children and is a good lesson for parents with young children.
The Iron Claw, based on the true story of the Van Erich family, is a good story for all to see. Though it is rated R, it is a rather mild R, being that aside from the suicidal references, and a few “F” words thrown around, there really isn’t that much that is hard to watch for sensitive audiences. It does portray some real moments in the wrestlers life, but if one can stomach that, it’s a fine movie to watch for mostly the whole family.
The sad but powerful movie came out in theaters Dec 22 and is currently playing in theaters near you