Movie Review - The Iron Claw

Director: Sean Durkin
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 132 minutes
Year: 2023
Starring: Zac Efron, Jeremy Allan White, Harris Dickinson, Holt McCallany, Maura Tierney, Lily James, Stanley Simons
 
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.

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2024 MOVIE CHALLENGE
WEEK 33: A FILM WITH A STRONG FAMILY THEME

Review: A lot of true stories have been greatly exaggerated. A lot was made up just for dramatic effect. But sometimes reality goes so far that is has to be restrained. Like in “The Iron Claw” in which the Von Erich family has four sons, whem in reality there were six. The fate of the unsung two is deeply sad, but simply too much for a film already overflowing with family grief.

Kevin, the oldest of the four sons, dedicated his life to a show-wrestling career following in his father’s footsteps. The latter is now their coach and also the owner of the local wrestling arena. But daddy dearest does not mince words when it comes to pronouncing which of his sons is his preference, and Kevin is not on top. Their father keeps applying pressure, and that has its consequences.

Those who grew up in the 1980s/ 1990s, know the WWF, the World Wrestling Federation. For some reason it was addictive to watch a bunch of butch men in tight suits go at each other in bizarre ways, especially when you learned it was all staged.

Holt McCallany is outstanding in the role of the domineering father. The man deals no blows or violent threats, yet it is extremely plausible that non one would dare stand up to him. The lead role belongs to Zac Efron, who transformed himself into a muscular pro wrestler. Yet that is not the most impressive about his portrayal. Efron delivers perhaps the best acting performance of his career to date. Kevin von Ehrig is an airhead with a full heart. He is probably the only brother that really wants to be a professional wrestler like his dad, but Kevin he is constantly overruled by him. Dad is favoring all his other sons over Kevin.

This is such a devastating film, because the Von Erich family had to deal with one tragedy after another. But boys aren’t supposed to cry, according to dad. So when Efron’s character does shed a tear, it hits extra hard.

“The Iron Claw” is an impressive, hard-hitting film. Even if you’re not into wrestling, you may be touched.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

TV Show Review - Mindhunter (Season 2)

Season: 2
Genre: Thriller/ Crime
Number of episodes: 10
Year: 2019
Starring: Jonathan Groff, Holt McCallany, Anna Torv, Stacey Roca, Joe Tuttle, Lauren Glazier

Description: Set in the late 1970s, two FBI agents are tasked with interviewing serial killers to solve open cases.

Review: If you really want to know what drives a serial killer, “Mindhunter” is a recommendation. When you learn the creepy stories behind these serial killers, you start thinking if they are real or fictional. But they are all real and they are scary as hell.
“Mindhunter” is inspired by the a book written by FBI agent John E. Douglas and it’s a psychological crime series. Douglas, in the series named Holden Ford, has worked for the FBI from 1970 till 1995. He interviewed the most infamous and dangerous serial killers, like Ted Bundy, Dannis Rader and James Earl Ray. The show gives a beautiful look into the brains of these so-called monsters.
The first season was really good, it fascinated me. It never has jump scares or spectacular chases, but it has creepy dialogues and disturbing images.
The difference from the first season is there is more room for the leading characters Bill Tench and Holden Ford, but also Wendy Carr. And the cases they work on are spread out over multiple episodes, instead of a new case each episode.
“Mindhunter” still isn’t a series for people who like crime sensation. It’s slow paced, but it works perfect for this show. If you’re interested in the mind set of serial killers, this is your show. And a third season will happen, if I have to believe the ending of season 2.

TV Show Review - Mindhunter (Season 1)

Season: 1
Genre: Thriller/ Crime
Number of episodes: 10
Year: 2017
Starring: Jonathan Groff, Holt McCallany, Anna Torv, Hannah Gross, Stacey Roca, Cotter Smith

Description: Set in the late 1970s, tow FIB agents are tasked with interviewing serial killers to solve open cases.

Review: “Mindhunter” asks for you patience. The series needs some time to get in to, but it’s clever to stay put. “Mindhunter” is not your typical whodunit type of crime show or one that shows bloody crime scenes. “Mindhunter” focuses on the dialogue about murders and the discovery that the psyche of a serial killer is much more complex than you might have tought.
Director David Fincher, master mind behind movies like “Se7en” and “Zodiac”, is the executive producer of the show and even directed a few episodes. He managed to create tension without the standard approach of a crime thriller.
At the start of each episode we see a somewhat clumsy character with an evil side. It’s clear that the leading characters of the show will eventually encounter him, but the question is when.
Holden Ford, played by Jonathan Groff, is a young and ambitious detective. Always striking a suit, he is the prototype FBI agent. His interest in serial killers is not understood by everyone within the FBI. His co-worker Bill Tench, who studies behavioral science, sees potential in Ford’s theories. This eventually leads to them research and delving into the psyche of serial killers.
Ford and Tench start interviewing serial killers, that have been convicted for their crimes. The first they interview is Ed Kemper, who committed a series of brutal murders.
To improve their interrogation skills, the men get help from Dr. Wendy Carr and she eventually joins them in their research.
Besides focusing on the criminals and their minds, the series also pays attention to the personal lives of the agents. Holden meets a woman, who is his opposite in everything. Holden is pragmatic and introvert, when girlfriend Debbie experiments with drugs and sex and is very extravert. Bill’s situation at home might explain why he is interest in behavioral science. And Wendy, appears to be a lesbian.
“Mindhunter” is a series that has to grow, but the slow pace eventually becomes the show’s strongest trump. The multiple layers of the story make sure for an interesting view and it will fascinate you. The tension between the main characters and the serial killers get under your skin.
If you’re a fan of action packed crime shows, this might not be your cup of tea. But when you’re not easily distracted by complex dialogues and slowly build tension, this is definitely a must-see.