Australia's MMA Debut: A Cheesy Comfort
In a country known for its sports obsession, it's surprising that Australian sports films are few and far between. The Club, The Coolangatta Gold, and The Final Winter are notable exceptions, but they're few in number. So, when Beast, Australia's first mixed martial arts (MMA) film, hit the screens, it was a notable event.
Beast tells the story of Patton James, a retired fighter who finds himself back in the ring due to financial struggles. With a pregnant wife, Luciana, and a young daughter, Maddie, in need of medical care, Patton takes on the challenge of fighting his former nemesis, Xavier Grau, for a substantial cash prize. It's a classic 'against the odds' sports narrative, but with a unique Aussie twist.
The Cast and Characters
The film stars Daniel MacPherson as Patton, a role that showcases his dedication but falls short of convincing. MacPherson, a TV star, brings his all to the character, but the performance feels a bit forced. Russell Crowe, an acclaimed actor, plays Sammy, Patton's trainer, with a sense of familiarity and ease. Crowe's presence is a highlight, but the role doesn't seem to challenge him much.
Amy Shark, making her feature film debut, plays Sammy's daughter, Rose. Kelly Gale portrays Patton's long-suffering wife, Luciana, with a model-like presence but a monotone delivery that contrasts her character's struggles.
The standout performances come from screen veterans Matt Nable and Nathan Phillips, who bring a certain authenticity to their small but impactful roles. Bren Foster, a martial artist-turned-actor, commands attention whenever he's on screen, adding a layer of realism to the film.
Technical Aspects and Sentimentality
Beast, directed by Tyler Atkins, lacks the charm and freshness of his previous film, Bosch & Rockit. The technical aspects of the film leave much to be desired. The cinematography is rudimentary, the lighting bland, and the orchestral score feels generic. The American accents attempted by some of the key actors, including Luke Hemsworth, feel forced and unconvincing.
The screenplay, co-written by Crowe, feels overly sentimental and lacks heart. It's filled with cheesy one-liners and predictable plot twists. One particular line, delivered by Sammy, stands out for its unintentional humor: "Time's not a commodity like that. You've got moments and memories. If you don't take the moments, you don't get the memories."
A Comforting Clich
Despite its flaws, Beast has a certain charm. It's a feel-good sports film that, while predictable, delivers on the genre's expectations. There's a pleasure in watching the familiar unfold, and Beast provides that in spades. The training montages, the underdog narrative, and the ultimate redemption make for an enjoyable, if cheesy, cinematic experience.
What makes Beast particularly fascinating is its ability to comfort and entertain, even with its shortcomings. It's a film that embraces its Aussie roots, offering a unique take on the sports genre. While it may not win any awards for its technical prowess or writing, it provides a fun, light-hearted escape for fans of the genre.
So, if you're in the mood for some Aussie cheese, Beast is worth a watch. It might not be a cinematic masterpiece, but it delivers on the promise of a good, old-fashioned sports drama.
