Movie Review - Jungleland

Director: Max Winkler
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 90 minutes
Year: 2020
Starring: Charlie Hunnam, Jack O’Connell, Jessica Barden, Jonathan Majors

Description: Two brothers (Charlie Hunnam, Jack O’Connell) try to escape their circumstances by traveling across the country for a no holds barred boxing match that becomes a fight for their lives.

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2021 MOVIE CHALLENGE
WEEK 24: A MOVIE WITH A ONE-WORD TITLE
 
Review: We meet two brothers: Stan, a man who once had a charming charisma, but lost it and owes some shady characters a lot of money. And Lion, a boxer who seems to be depending on Stan. But little by little it becomes clear that it’s probably the other way around.
The poster and synopsis of the film make you think it’s yet another boxing movie. It technically is, but the focus is much more on the two brother then on the actual sporting event they are trying get to. We see their lives togethers, how they are always together. Their lives have never been easy, they had to be on their own when they were very young. The result is that they never really got to the point they wanted to be at. It looks like Lion can’t be without Stan, but it’s actually Stan that can live without Lion. Everything Lion does, is because of Stan. Most situations and problems they get into, are due to Stan. Lion’s life would probably be better without him. And a girl named Sky entering his life, makes him disconnect from Stan for the first time.
Charlie Hunnam plays Stan and is the highlight of the film. His performance is powerful and he knocks it out of the park. He doesn’t overshadow Jack O’Connell, who I strong too, but he has the upper hand.
Missed opportunity though is not using the song “Jungleland” by Bruce Springsteen, when there is another song by the Boss playing at the end.
“Jungleland” is a solid drama, carried by Charlie Hunnam.

Rating: 3,5 / 5