Must See Movies–Warrior (Review)

 

Street Date: 12/20/11

Blu-ray Combo Pack (BD + DVD + Digital Copy) SRP: $39.99

DVD SRP: $29.95

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Two brothers are in for the fight of their lives – one fights for family, one fights for country – as Lionsgate debuts Warrior this December to Blu-ray Combo Pack (Blu Ray Disc plus DVD plus Digital Copy), DVD, Digital Download and On Demand.  Starring rising Hollywood talents Tom Hardy (Inception) and Joel Edgerton (The Thing) as brothers Tommy and Brendan, the edge-of-your-seat action drama also features two-time Oscar® nominee Nick Nolte* and Jennifer Morrison (TV’s “Once Upon a Time”).  Directed by Gavin O’Connor (Miracle), this inspirational story is a dramatic and personal look at one family’s emotional and economic struggles, with the payout of an MMA tournament seen as the only solution to their problems. The Blu-ray and DVD release are packed with special features that include audio commentary, a “making of” documentary, mixed martial arts strategy, a gag reel, deleted scene and more!  The Blu-ray Disc also offers an Enhanced Viewing Mode for the feature film, taking fans to the next level of entertainment.  One of the most critically acclaimed films of the year, Warrior brings it home on December 20^th for the suggested retail price of $39.99 on Blu-ray Combo Pack, and $29.95 on DVD.

An ex-Marine haunted by a tragic past, Tommy Riordan returns home and enlists his father, a recovering alcoholic and his former coach, to train him for an MMA tournament awarding the biggest purse in the history of the sport. Tommy's estranged brother Brendan, a former MMA fighter unable to provide for his family as a public school teacher, also enters the competition. Set on a collision course with each other, the two brothers must finally confront the forces that tore them apart, all the while waging the most intense winner-take-all battle of their lives.

The Warrior screenplay is by Gavin O’Connor & Anthony Tambakis & Cliff Dorfman; with the story by Gavin O’Connor & Cliff Dorfman.

* Best Actor in a Leading Role, The Prince of Tides, 1991; Best Actor in a Leading Role, Affliction, 1998

BLU-RAY DISC/DVD SPECIAL FEATURES*

· Audio commentary with Director/Co-Writer Gavin O’Connor, Co-Writer Anthony Tambakis and

Actor Joel Edgerton

· “Redemption: Bringing Warrior To Life” Documentary

· “Philosophy In Combat: Mixed Martial Arts Strategy”

· Simply Believe: A Tribute to Charles “Mask” Lewis, Jr.

· Cheap Shots: Gag Reel

· Brother vs. Brother: Anatomy Of The Fight

· The Diner: Deleted Scene with Tom Hardy and Nick Nolte (with optional commentary)

· Full Contact: Blu-ray Enhanced Viewing Mode - An in-depth original and personal look at

the film with the cast and crew (BLU-RAY EXCLUSIVE FEATURE)

· Select Scene On Camera Commentary : With Filmmakers and Nick Nolte (DVD EXCLUSIVE

FEATURE)

*Subject to change

DIRECTOR

Gavin O’Connor Pride and Glory, Miracle, Tumbleweeds, Comfortably Numb

CAST

Joel Edgerton The Thing, Animal Kingdom, Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones

Tom Hardy upcoming The Dark Knight Rises, Inception, RocknRolla, Bronson, Layer Cake

Jennifer Morrison TV’s “Once Upon a Time,” TV’s “How I Met Your Mother,” TV’s “House, M.D.,” Star Trek, Mr. & Mrs. Smith

Frank Grillo Minority Report, TV’s “Prison Break,” Pride and Glory

And Nick Nolte Tropic Thunder, Hotel Rwanda, The Thin Red Line, Cape Fear, 48 Hours, Affliction

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My Thoughts:

Tonight is in-house date night in our house, so that means we will be watching a few movies once the girls go to bed.  Last Friday, we ended up watching a handful of movies sent to me to review and share with you all.  One of these movies was Warrior.  I had only seen advertisements at the stores over the holiday for this movie, but never had seen the trailer, so I wasn’t sure what the movie was about, or if we would like it.  So, we kept an open mind and popped the DVD in watch.  Within the first five minutes, we were hooked, and couldn’t stop watching the movie.  Even when the baby got up for a feeding, we quickly passed it and couldn’t wait to get back and see what happened next.  This usually doesn’t happen when we watch movies, as we are just waiting for either one of the girls to get up, and will then shut off the movie, sometimes forgetting to resume it.  But, not with Warrior.  If you haven’t seen the trailer for this movie, click here to watch it now.  And, if you haven’t rented it yet, why not consider picking it up this weekend and watching it. It is truly an entertaining film, and one that you will want to sit through and talk about later.

People are comparing this movie to Rocky, and I can see why.  Not only is it about fighting, but it is an inspirational movie and follows a struggling family whose only way for redemption is through a fight.  This match will bring them together and strengthen their family bond.  Older children will enjoy this movie, as it is full of action, but I wouldn’t recommend it for those younger than 12-13 years of age.

Disclosure:  I was sent a copy of this DVD from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  The views above are mine and mine alone.