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Check out the official trailer –
On the 1st June new MMA feature film “Beast” makes it way to the UK on all major platforms courtesy of Vertigo Releasing. Starring academy award winner Russell Crowe and the oldest brother of the Hemsworths, Luke. Since the masterpiece which was “Warrior” nothing has come close to a really gritty heartfelt Mixed Martial Arts movie. I was excited to watch “Beast” especially when it is based around a real fighting promotion the “One Championship”, did they get it right or did they miss their shot?
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The film opens with a gripping and intense scene, where a fighter and his coach share a motivational moment before they walk into the spotlight for the biggest fight of their lives. Then bang, the film jumps years ahead, where we find the said fighter Patton James (Daniel MacPherson) landed on hard times working on a fishing boat trying to make ends meet for his family. At this point I felt slightly cheated out of a fight. However, I stuck in there hoping for more. What came after was nearly every cliche under the sun that all previous fighting films from Rocky, The Fighter and even Never Back Down have played out already. The story is nothing new and even the characters were very predictable throughout.
Crowe’s role is the disgruntled former coach who clearly hasn’t come to terms with the loss of his Champion. His daughter has more of an understanding and is willing to coach Patton, despite his previous history of 2 and half year jailtime after a barfight turned ugly. Crowe’s screen presence lifts the production somewhat and brings his heavy action credibility to the role. 
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What “Beast” doesn’t revive in the MMA film genre it does offer a new emotional perspective from a fighter and their family’s view. As Patton James struggles with the turmoil of his younger brother Neal (George Burgess) vicious loss at the hands of his former rival Xavier Grau (Bren Foster) and the elaborate plan from sleazy manager Gabriel (Luke Hemsworth) to get Patton back in the cage. The thought of the massive windfall and to win against Xavier one more time after the beating he gave to his brother is too good to resist.
There is clearly no love lost between the brothers as Neal takes serious umbrage when he awakes from his injuries knowing that his brother has taken a fight against Xaiver. Despite paying off his debts, Neal doesn’t like living under his older brother’s shadow so an unsanctioned bout is made between Xavier and Neal. With little imagination you know what is about to happen. 
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Everything is built up to the rematch Patton James VS Xavier Grau, this time there is more on the line than just the title belt. As for Mixed Martial Arts choreography it is not bad, we get to experience more submissions and take downs, less of stand up action which is more true to MMA these days. The only thing that spoilt the end scene for me was the fake phone lights used as if it was a live audience when you can clearly see it was shot in front a blue screen.
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The end is what you’d expect and the film completes it’s predictable storyline wrapped tightly up like a fighters hands. No, it doesn’t reinvent the MMA movie genre, does it provide entertainment for 1hour 54minutes runtime? Yes. Are there some standout performances? yes, from Bren Foster and Daniel MacPherson. Is it cool to see Russell Crowe back in front camera? Yes. Has it landed in my top 5 MMA films? Yes.
“Beast” offers nothing new but provides heartbreak, emotional healing, revenge and action with a sprinkle of predictability.
I give “Beast”
3/5 Gloves.
