Movie Review: ‘Cagefighter’

Mixed Martial Arts and Pro Wrestling combine to make a formidable pairing in this new film from writer/director Jesse Quinones. Reiss Gibbons (Alex Montagnani) receives his fifth MMA title as the film starts and is on his way to being one of the greatest fighters to step into the Legends MMA ring. However, on his road to stardom, Reiss hits a speed bump and has to face the toughest fight, not only of his career but of his life when the promoter (Gina Gershon) convinces Reiss to try for a sixth title by entering the cage with pro wrestling superstar Randy Stone (AEW Champ Jon Moxley).

Cagefighter will probably be more enjoyable to wrestling and MMA fans; it has multiple realistic cage fights and appearances by real sports legends like Chuck Liddell (who plays Reiss’s coach and mentor) and Jay Reso (WWE’s Christian who plays a radio host). However, non-fans will find something to like since Reiss’s journey before, during, and after the fights is entertaining, relatable, and surprisingly moving as he deals with both success and failure. I do not want to spoil too much. I will simply say that the heavily promoted fight between Reiss and Randy, which one might expect to be the climax near the end of the film, is more toward the center of the movie and the movie shifts gears into more dramatic territory afterward.

The ads I have seen are more focused on the fight between the two styles of fighting, which does drive the plot a fair amount. However, there is far more to the film than they let on. There is heart and a message about never giving up when times seem to be at its roughest; a message that a lot of humanity could use right about now. Even with all the movie has going on, it does not feel bloated. Quite the opposite, it has a near perfect blend of well-choreographed action, humor, and drama that flows smoothly, keeps you on the edge of your seat, and leaves you wanting more.