Review: Warrior

A predictable plot given a shot in the arm by a superb cast

Director: Gavin O'Connor

Screenwriters: Gavin O’Connor, Anthony Dambakis & Cliff Dorfman

Cast: Joel Edgerton, Tom Hardy, Jennifer Morrison, Frank Grillo and Nick Nolte

Plot: The Conlon family has been torn apart by father Paddy’s alcoholism. Elder son Brendan has built a tentative life for himself and his young family, whilst younger son Tommy has just returned as a disturbed Iraq-war veteran. However, with Tommy facing a dead-end life, and Brendan facing huge financial problems, both chase a $5mn prize in a winner-takes-all mixed martial arts tournament and the family tensions come to the fore.

Running Time: 139m 43s

Certificate: 12A - Contains frequent moderate sporting violence and oneuse of strong language

Given the basic plot of this film, I was surprised to see that it had been rated as a 12A (and a PG-13 in the States). How can one make a compelling film about cage-fighting which doesn’t go all out on making the violence convincing enough that you feel like the characters are in danger? The answer is that this is a film which isn’t really about the violence.

England take a 1-0 lead

England beat India by 196 runs

England have asserted their credentials as the best test team in the world with a thumping victory in the first test at Lord’s against India, winning by 196 runs. James Anderson took 5-65 as England swept aside the Indians with only Suresh Raina (78), and VVS Laxman (56) showing any real resistance, eventually bowled out for 261.

It completed what had been a hugely successful test match for the hosts, but though the margin was comprehensive, this does not mean that England will find it easy to win the series, or claim the No. 1 spot in the Test World rankings.

Does Carlos really believe that money can't buy him love?

Matt Dickinson, on Twitter this morning, was questioning Carlos Tevez’s motives: “So we are clear, Tevez has to leave cos of family concerns. Just that in December he said it was because he hated Garry Cook… And a month ago in the NotW he said it was because mcfc had broken promises (tho he never said what they were)”.

Djokovic and Kivotva Complete a Coup d’État

They’re changing the guard at SW19. This year’s championships very much had an end of an era feel. Two first-time singles champions were the most obvious symbol of it, but across the two weeks, there was a definite sense that the old order was being firmly abolished.