Alf Nelson's blog

I just got back home from the flicks, where I saw ‘The Iron Claw’. This film provides a fascinating and jaw-dropping (or should I say elbow-dropping?) insight into the history of the Von Erich wrestling dynasty. It is a bleak but absorbing account of the tragedies that befell this family.

The performances from the whole cast are first class. As some people still sneer at the concept of pro wrestling, I find it refreshing when well-known actors, like Zac Efron (who appears in the film) and Mickey Rourke, clearly put a lot of effort into their wrestling roles, taking them very seriously. Also, some people may sneer that pro wrestling is all choreographed, but the above film perfectly highlights just how dangerous and brutal the world of pro wrestling can be.

For me, the star of this film is Holt McCallany, who plays Fritz Von Erich, famed for the eponymous (and feared) wrestling hold. The film portrays Fritz as the intimidating, controlling and dominant father, by whom his four sons (also famous wrestlers) were often intimidated. One 'flashback' scene shows Fritz in a wrestling bout, and the actor was so convincing that I forgot that I was actually watching a film (Holt looks great in trunks and boots, and is in great shape, despite being in his late 50s).

If you are planning to watch this film at a cinema, I would recommend a ‘ringside’ seat; I sat near the screen, which made me feel as if I was in a wrestling ring.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt21064584/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_8_nm_0_q_the%2520iron