Unstoppable might be an overly generic title for a film, but the story of wrestler Anthony Robles, an American wrestler who was born without a right leg is anything but. The story is lifted straight out of his autobiography, Unstoppable: From Underdog to Undefeated Champion, and this is very much an underdog sports story just like his hero, Rocky. There’s a poster of the boxing champion in his room and a scene of him atop the Philadelphia steps made famous by the Sylvester Stallone movie.

Jharrel Jerome, whom I remember from the Oscar-winning Moonlight, plays Robles with sheer drive and tenacity. He’s got solid support from his coach (Michael Peña) and loving mom Judy (Jennifer Lopez), but financial constraints limit his options. He’s searching for a scholarship and gets one offer from Drexel University, which isn’t known for wrestling. His family, especially his abusive step-dad Rick (Bobby Cannavale, making the most of a thankless role) thinks that Roble doesn’t realize what a lucrative offer that is. Instead, Robles is vying for a spot at Arizona, whose wrestling team is led by a demanding but compassionate coach (Don Cheadle). Robles is trying to follow his wrestling passion while also holding his family together, stepping in as the guardian for his three younger step-siblings.

There was a lot of hype from the film’s TIFF premiere as J-Lo attended the premiere without Ben Affleck following her divorce filing, even though it’s produced by Artists Equity, the production company that Affleck and Matt Damon set up. Interesting that they followed up their 2023 sports drama AIR with another one in the same genre, but this time it’s Affleck’s longtime editor William Goldenberg (who won Best Editing for ARGO) at the helm in his directorial debut.

Roble’ incredible true story really shines through, showing how he refuses to let his disability hold him back. He’s not one to dwell on self-pity at all and he’s such a hard worker. While his siblings are playing board games, you’d see Robles training in his room. He also comes early to practice, and he studies his opponent before a match so he’s aware of his strengths and weaknesses. One of the film’s highlights is the intense outdoor training where Robles sprints up a steep, rocky hill—something that’s arduous even for those with two legs. But Robles is determined, and his spirit inspires his coach and teammates, who watch him in amazement as he conquers the hill.

Jerome captures Robles’ courageous spirit, he doesn’t just wrestle on the mat physically but also mentally as he wrestles with family issues. In many ways, wrestling becomes an outlet to let out all of his frustrations. Lopez is quite memorable as Robles’ mom, proving she can really shine in the right role. She brings a mix of nurturing and defiant energy to her portrayal of Judy. This story is just as much about an underdog athlete surpassing everyone’s expectations as it is about Judy breaking free from a toxic relationship.

The supporting cast is excellent overall. My favorite moments are between Jerome and Cheadle, peppered with a droll sense of humor to give us respite from its heavy themes. When asked why Robles chose wrestling as his sport, he replied that ‘it’s the only sport where the opponent can’t run away from me.’ Robles doesn’t just accept his limitations; he actually plays to his strengths, as his daily use of crutches has given him an incredibly strong grip as a wrestler.

I’m not really into wrestling, but I bet fans of the sport would totally enjoy the intense matches and the crowd’s reactions. Even though we all knew Robles was going to take home the NCAA individual wrestling national championship, the final match was still super exciting to watch. The stunning cinematography by Salvatore Totino, rousing score by Alexandre Desplat, and the amazing VFX team which seamlessly removes Jerome’s right leg from every perspective really enhance the overall experience.

Unstoppable might not reinvent the wheel when it comes to biopics, but it definitely hits on some well-trodden themes that feel genuine, even if it feels emotionally manipulative at times. It reminds me of great sports films like Rocky (natch!), The Fighter, Invictus, and my childhood favorite, Rudy. As customary with biopics, I always enjoy seeing the real-life footage/photos of the real Anthony Robles during the end credits. Overall Unstoppable is a solid addition to the underdog sports drama genre and a genuine crowd-pleaser.

Have you seen UNSTOPPABLE? I’d love to hear what you think!

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