Bob is right… FIGHTING sucks. by COOP

Sometimes a comment hits the nail square on the head and it gets me talking. I wrote an articleawhile back about how “Fighting” looks a rip-off or remake of the Jean Claude Van Damme action film “Lionheart.” Imagine my shock when I suddenly got no less than 15 profane and obscene comments from dudes who flat out hate Channing Tatum. None of them were constructive opinions, merely rage-filled ramblings of malcontents.

While I didn’t appreciate their inappropriate remarks (I deleted the comments for decency’s sake), I can identify with their anger. I dislike how a Ken doll like Tatum, without a shred of acting ability has suddenly become a hot Hollywood commodity. Regardless, I went to see “Fighting” to see how close it actually was to “Lionheart.” I’m not surprised to inform you that it was so close, I could hear JCVD rolling around in his grave… if he were dead.

Reader “Bob” saw it too and gave the only non-offensive comment about it. I agreed with him and appreciated his opinion so much, I wanted to post it here for all to read…

Just watched Fighting tonight and after the first 15 min all I could think of was Lionheart and then all I could think of is how much this movie sucked. Channing tatum doesn’t even look like a bad ass. He takes his shirt off and looks amazingly unimpressive. Also, it is obvious that he has no speed, agility, or any other skills that would make fight scenes look real and/or dramatic as in Lionheart. Terrible movie. I loved lionheart though.

…to which I replied…

Right on, Bob. I saw it and wanted to walk out halfway through but unfortunately I stuck it out. Total piece of crap film that made “Lionheart” look like a masterpiece. Tatum’s character was a high school wrestler and he somehow has the magical ability to take down UFC-caliber fighters? The jackass doesn’t even train (and that one quick scene where he does some push-ups in a subway car doesn’t count) and he’s too damn skinny. As an actor, he’s dumb as dirt and talks like a douchebag high school kid who is trying to act “urban” like that Jamie Kennedy character in “Malibu’s Most Wanted.” I have no doubt, one day we will see him washing cars in Encino with Vanilla Ice, Dan Cortese and Jeff “The Perfect Weapon” Speakman.

Everything was cliche. No one was likeable. I actually wanted Terrence Howard to get shived by Luis Guzman. I wanted Cung Le to KILL Tatum… and in real life he would have cuz he’s a no-s**t UFC fighter (for reals!).

I hated it so much, I didn’t even feel like reviewing it for fun or money.

You’re my new best friend. All hail JCVD.

-C

Ahem. So it would seem that now I am the rage-filled malcontent making profane comments (I even managed to drop a “D”-bomb in there), and I suppose that makes me a “hater” as the cool kids call it these days. But that’s how much a hated “Fighting.” 1/2 a star at best.

Now there’s no need for a lengthy review. Thanks, Bob. You really helped me get “Fighting” out of my system so I can forget about it and move on. All it took were the thoughtful words of a good reader.

As for the rest of you, go rent “Lionheart.” Van Damme has more heart in that movie than Channing Tatum will ever have in his entire career. Apologies to Tatum as a person. He’s a talented dancer and probably a terrific person. I just don’t wanna see him act again. EVER.

Now ask me how forward I’m looking towards “G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra” starring Channing Tatum?

Ok, one more rip on Tatum, then I’ll let it rest: His acting style as he interacts with other characters reminds me of the dumb kid in class who doesn’t do his book report then tries to mumble and fake his way through it while the other kids laugh at him.

There, I’m done.

Rent “Lionheart.”

-C

Go HERE to see a trailer of “Lionheart” (and “Fighting” too if you must).