If you were to ask an MMA fan what makes fighting so enjoyable, successful, and respected, you would get such answers as the passion that the fighters portray, the reasons for why they fight, as well as the need to see hard hitting action and lots of blood. 

It seems Dito Montiel, director of the new feature film Fighting, didn't look too far into the reasons why the industry has ignited and that's too bad because he will really miss out with this one. 

With the MMA industry continually gaining more exposure you would think that a movie with a storyline about underground mixed martial arts fighting would be successful. While effort was made, there wasn't enough of the elements that fight fans would want to see to deem a success. 

The story takes place in Manhattan-one of New York City's five boroughs, and is based around Shawn MacArthur(Channing Tatum), whose trying to get by selling knock off children's novels and umbrellas. An altercation between him and accomplices of a small town hustler, Harvey Boarden(Terrance Howard) lead to a greeting between MacArthur and Boarden and ultimately a money making venture into the world of underground fighting.

MacArthur's is initially a little hesitant but with Boardens' reassurance, (who sports a uncharacteristic irritating accent throughout the film), and an offer of $5,000 to fight, he ultimately cooperates.

MacArthur finds himself gaining respect and experience as he finds ways to win his fights but the bouts themselves don't serve the viewers with any blood or any real exciting action until the final fight. What's more is the over the top sound effects for every punch thrown is a bit unsettling.

As does every fight movie, Fighting also involves a very  plain and boring love angle with MacArthur showing interest towards a girl from the Bronx, Zulay Valez (Zulay Henao) basically stalking her until she decides to start seeing him. The most enjoyment you will get from this angle is the stubborn remarks from Zulay's old fashioned grandmother towards MacArthur, who claims he looks like a criminal among other things.

This movie doesn't do much for suspense either. While we know there are issues between MacArthur and his father, the way it reveals itself is rather uninteresting, and scenes that could play out and add to the suspense of that storyline are not included in the film.

The movie does serve viewers a decent twist following the final fight between MacArthur and and his life long enemy, Evan Hailey (Brian J. White), which lets you leave the movie with a good impression. 

While this flick isn't a total waste of two hours, you may be better off waiting for this one to come to DVD.

My Rating

2.5 fisticuffs out of 5.