Reviews Are In For Russell Crowe’s New MMA Drama

The MMA action-drama “Beast” officially opens in U.S. theaters today, and the film has already received mostly positive reviews for the Oscar winning actor Russell’s Crowe’s portrayal of an MMA coach and for the realistic fight scenes in the cage.

Directed by Tyler Atkins and co-written by Russell Crowe, the film follows Patton James (Daniel MacPherson), a former MMA world champion. After a brush with the law, Patton is a struggling deckhand. His younger brother, Malon (Mojean Aria), is also hospitalized by the reigning champion, Xavier Grau (Bren Foster). To save his family and avenge his brother, Patton must reunite with his former trainer, Sammy (Russell Crowe), for one final showdown in ONE Championship.

Reviews

• RedCarpetCrash: “Many of the bouts feel ultra-realistic, embracing the brutal, blood-soaked nature of the sport. The wrestling and grappling sequences are especially impressive and deserve recognition in their own right.”
   
• Next Best Picture: “It is MacPherson’s physical commitment that keeps audiences invested in Patton’s journey… The grappling is impressive when the film allows it to play out uninterrupted. Watching MacPherson and Foster go toe-to-toe has its moments.”

• Film Combat Syndicate: “A moving MMA drama that rises to the occasion… it seethes with every glare and punishes with every blow. MacPherson and Foster go to war in what feels like a vital take on the underdog tale.”
   
• Military.com: “This doesn’t look like a glossy, stylized take on combat sports. It feels more grounded and worn-in, where every choice carries real consequences.”

The Cast