If you are a fan of WWE, Paige, The Rock and good movies, go see “Fighting With My Family”. I have already seen the movie twice since the limited release last, week. I laughed, I cried, I screamed.
I’m so proud to see the WWE Studios logo on the ‘big’ screen, and to be a part of a movie celebrating the dedication, and passion wrestling families have to make it to the sports entertainment mecca of the WWE. Not to mention how far women’s wrestling has come.
Paige is a one-of-a-kind talent and human being. In her short life, she has been through more than most people will ever think of experiencing, pro wrestler, or not, and Florence Plugh does a great job of capturing Paige’s (born Saraya-Jade Bevis) complexities, her uniqueness, and what we love about her. Paige can be super vulnerable and relatable, but also strong and fierce. From the moment she flips her hair the first time she is comfortable in the ring with her brother, Zak, she is a star.
From the start of the film, we fall in love with the Knight family. Especially the down-to-Earth and loving parents Ricky (Nick Frost) and Julia (Lena Headey). The family is bonded together by the love of pro wrestling and the ultimate dream: to make it to the WWE.
Her parents, along with her older brother Zak, run a wrestling promotion and it is a haven for the local community. Everything is all good; Zak is expecting a child with his fiance, and the family learns the two Knight kids have been invited for a WWE tryout. ‘Zodiac Zak’ is an even bigger wrestling fan than his little sister, and he encourages them both that they can do this…for the family.
However, when head trainer, Hutch Morgan (played by Vince Vaughn) informs the siblings that Paige is accepted over her brother, we see the bond fractured. This is a moment we can all relate to, when nothing goes as planned or expected, even when you dedicate your entire life to it. Tensions are high, and after literally fighting with her family, Paige nearly quits. But no matter what, we learn that you have to keep going.
Paige begins her journey in development. This is when it gets interesting, because we see where the women’s division is at the time, which is where they are still promoting the models, and the looks. Paige immediately sticks out like a sore thumb. Homesick, and guilty over her brother Zak not making it, she wants to leave. But luckily she stays, culminating in her debut the Raw after WrestleMania 30, making history winning the Diva’s title from AJ Lee (played by Thea Megan Trinidad aka Zelina Vega).
Most fans going to see the movie know Paige’s story, and those who don’t get to watch a heartwarming story of a family determined to make their collective dreams come true. I love that his movie presents pro wrestling in a fun light, as well as introduce Paige, WWE, and women’s wrestling to new fans.
Sure, there is strong branding on the side of WWE. But what do you expect? It is produced by The Rock. All-in-all it is decent film about family, determination, and being true to oneself.
