Last night we headed out for another Cineworld Unlimited Screening and a chance to catch the much talked about movie starring Zac Efron, The Iron Claw which is based on the true story of the inseparable Von Erich brothers, who made history in the intensely competitive world of professional wrestling in the early 1980s. Through tragedy and triumph, under the shadow of their domineering father and coach, the brothers seek larger-than-life immortality on the biggest stage in sports.
The Von Erich wrestling family is renowned in the annals of professional wrestling history for their contributions to the sport and their tragic tale of triumph and loss. The family’s wrestling legacy began with patriarch Fritz Von Erich, whose real name was Jack Adkisson. Born in 1929, Fritz started his wrestling career in the 1950s and soon gained fame for his rugged style and imposing presence in the ring.
Fritz Von Erich achieved significant success as a wrestler, competing in various promotions across the United States. He eventually settled in Texas, where he became a fixture in the Dallas-based promotion, World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW). Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Fritz emerged as one of the promotion’s top stars, captivating audiences with his intensity and charisma.
As Fritz’s wrestling career flourished, he began to involve his sons in the sport. The Von Erich wrestling dynasty truly took flight with the emergence of his sons, most notably David, Kevin, Kerry, Mike, and Chris, all of whom pursued careers in professional wrestling.
The Von Erich brothers quickly became synonymous with WCCW and achieved immense popularity among wrestling fans, both locally and internationally. Known for their athleticism, charm, and striking good looks, the Von Erichs were hailed as wrestling royalty, capturing numerous championships and accolades throughout their careers.
However, amidst their wrestling success, tragedy struck the Von Erich family repeatedly. In a string of heartbreaking events, several of Fritz’s sons met untimely deaths. David Von Erich, widely regarded as one of the promotion’s brightest stars, tragically passed away in 1984 at the age of 25 while on tour in Japan. His death shook the wrestling world and cast a shadow over the Von Erich family.
Despite the heartache and loss, Kevin Von Erich continued to honour his family’s legacy, wrestling sporadically and preserving the memory of his fallen brothers. The Von Erich name remains etched in the annals of professional wrestling, remembered for both its triumphs and its tragedies, serving as a poignant reminder of the complexities of fame, fortune, and familial bonds in the world of sports entertainment.
The Iron Claw is a film that I wasn’t sure about when I first heard about it as I’m not a big wrestling fan, although I had heard of the Von Erich family. But what enticed me to an interest in the film was first of all the trailer came across that the film would have a great soundtrack and secondly to see a bulked up Zac Efron in the role as Kevin Von Erich and I wasn’t disappointed on both counts.
Efron went through a gruelling routine to bring the role to the big screen with a mix of old-school bodybuilding and Olympic lifting in his daily workouts. The blend of strength, agility, and power training was carefully designed to enhance his physique safely and sustainably. The regime certainly paid off as he looks amazing in The Iron Claw, thank heavens that the look wasn’t achieved by body suit as this would have ruined the feel of the film.
The cast in the film is amazing to watch with Holt McCallany (Mid Hunter, Fight Club) as the father Fritz Von Erich who wants his sons to bring the belt home to the family as he had failed to do it in his career and he will stop at nothing to succeed.
Kevin’s brothers David (Holt McCallany – Where the Crawdads Sing), Kerry (Jeremy Allen White – The Bear) and Mike (Stanley Simons – Angelfish) are all portrayed brilliantly on the screen and you feel the connection between them through the turbulent times that they went through.
Maura Tierney (E.R., Liar Liar) is wonderful in her role as the mother of the boys and holds them together and Lily James (Baby Driver) plays Kevin’s wife with a love at first site feel.
As I mentioned earlier I was pulled into the trailer by the music and I wasn’t disappointed by the soundtrack which not only has some gorgeous orchestral tracks from Richard Reed Parry but also has some top tracks that most of you will know including tracks from The Blue Oyster Club, Rush and Creedence Clearwater Revival. There were many moments where I found my feet tapping away and singing the songs in my head (hopefully in my head!).
The wrestling scenes are nicely shot and will please most wrestling fans with some great moves that many will know from wrestlers of the time including Ric Flair and The Freebirds to name but two, all shot with some great cinematography that carries on throughout the film.
The story itself gives you a lump in your throat and also several tears rolling down your cheeks, the curse that the family says they had brings us some moments that just take you deep into the tragedies that the Von Erich family went through over the years.
With a stellar performance from Zac Efron, it’s a crime to not have him up for an Oscar nomination for his role, this is a movie that will not only appeal to wrestling fans it will also appeal to those who love a good movie that is based on a true story, but make sure you take a little packet of tissues in with you.
The Iron Claw is in UK Cinemas from the 9th of February 2023.
A must see watch for Zac Efron's superb perfomance
Movie title: The Iron Claw (2023)
Movie description: The true story of the inseparable Von Erich brothers, who made history in the intensely competitive world of professional wrestling in the early 1980s.
Date published: January 31, 2024
Country: UK
Duration: 2h 12m
Director(s): Sean Durkin
Actor(s): Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson
Genre: Biography, Drama, Sport
Summary
The Iron Claw is a film that is a rollercoaster of emotions with plenty of ups, and downs and tears. It’s such a shame that Zac Efron’s performance hasn’t been given an Oscar nomination.
Karen Woodham is the founder and owner of the Blazing Minds. She is also a Cinema reviewer and works with RealD 3D reviewing the latest 3D releases and IMAX, she has also had several articles published in various publications including the first edition of SFW Magazine. In 2015 she became an Award Winning Blogger and also has her website listed as one of the UK’s Top 10 Film Blogs.
