A Father's Fight (II) (2021) User Reviews

Unrealistically high ratings

[kikiboo_8 · 4/10 · 22 September 2022]

The ratings for this movie are significantly higher than it actually deserves.

I think a lot of it has to do with religious elements in it, plus in my opinion the people who are most likely to enjoy this type of movies are those who can relate to its hero. People who struggle with anger issues, marriage issues, alcoholism or other kinds of addictions. They love watching someone with issues like theirs straighten up and act right. They probably feel inspired by it and promise themselves they will fix their lives too. I suppose it's a well-meaning message but reality is usually different.

Most people like the hero here don't think they are the problem, they think everyone else is the problem. They very rarely want to acknowledge their issues or to change. I've seen it in real life or through the people I've personally known. It very rarely works out this way. Women in his wife's situation are getting false hopes from this. His wife accepted him back far too fast and didn't give it any time to test him, to actually see whether he'd change like he promised.

It's sugary and unrealistic. Pretty corny. People need to wake up and view things more realistically. As sweet as this kind of outcome would be, in reality it doesn't come so fast or easy, you gotta work for it hard and consistently and then it's attainable. End of story.

Why does all faith-related content have overwhelmingly positive reviews?

[supermunyus · 3/10 · 20 February 2022]

Good on the church for having a go with a miserly budget, however this was abysmal. Dreadful acting across the board, bizarre cinematography, rubbish soundtrack, aimless and drawn out dialogue... Banal, predictable, cheesy. How the hell does this have such good reviews?

This movie defies its small budget to pack a punch!

[RealDaveEbert · 8/10 · 3 February 2021]

A faith-based movie with grit. So rare and so needed. The lead character is a drunk, even a potentially physically abusive drunk. Yes, there is drinking. Yes there is some pushing and threatening of domestic violence. Well done and realistic without being gratuitous.You see Bo's character without cursing or unnecessary demonstration. The balance in story-telling and acting tells the story in such a way, you can show it anywhere to anyone. As a guy, I could have used more of the fight. And you knew who the winner was going to be, even in the split decision (think Rocky Balboa...The long-retired Rocky was never going to beat the reigning champ.) Well done and really a landmark for Christian films. It is okay to be gritty and not violate tenets of faith. Good story-telling, solid camera work, and good acting make this film very fun. Oh, and hugh shoutout to the music on this one! Phenomenal music on this film!

Not a bad little film!

[susan-willis316 · 7/10 · 17 February 2021]

All things considered, overall we feel the movie was well made. The cinematography was done nicely and the music was very good!

There were quite a few monologues by each character that seemed to summarize some of the storyline. As a viewer I would have rather seen it play out than hear it in a monologue. Some of the dialogue was predictable and conflict was just thrown out there without giving the view much chance to put it together on their own. Would have liked to have seen a little more emotion and less dialogue in some scenes.

Some of the shot angles were a little odd and the lighting was a bit dark in a few scenes.

* A few missed opportunities to really bring the viewer in on the journey with the characters and left it up to the monologues to narrate the journey. All in all I got the story but some development and seeing more about the Dylan character would have helped understand the stakes of the fight a little better. I didn't feel that it drove home the point that it was his faith in God or becoming a Christian that gave him that inner strength and brought him back to his family. If this is intended to be a faith based film, that element could have been just a bit stronger rather than just tossed in with a church scene and another character telling his war experiences and looking to God in times of fear

Again, Overall nicely done. Acting was good. The music was Fabulous!!! Favorite parts were the montage pieces with the music

I would recommend the film as it does relay a good message.

"I truly loved Fight"

[sdonaldson-60113 · 9/10 · 2 February 2021]

I just finished watching this movie & I thought it was excellent! Right from the start, so many of us, have experienced alcoholism and how it ruins your life. This movie proves you have to fight for what you want!

Well Done!

[americanuck99 · 7/10 · 4 February 2021]

For a small budget film, this is a wonderful and entertaining movie. It does contain a lot of situations dealing with alcohol abuse, so please be aware before watching. Our lead character struggles with battling many demons (one being alcohol) and the filmmaker does a great job of relaying his story and struggle. The production quality of the film was very good (considering the budget) as was the choice of mood-setting background music. There were a couple of scenes where camera angles were a bit awkward, but for the most part, the Cinematographer and Director did a beautiful job. I really enjoyed this film and would recommend it to anyone looking for a film about victory over life's struggles. Congratulations to the entire cast and crew!

"You gotta KNOW what it is you're fighting for!"

[myprincehenry · 8/10 · 17 February 2021]

Sometimes life knocks you down--whether through your own choices, outside circumstances, or both. And when that happens, it can be so easy to stay down, to give up. To wallow in despair because redemption seems beyond impossible... "Fight" shows another option, a harder but so much more fulfilling option. Former promising boxer Bo Lawson (Travis Hancock) is trapped in the downward spiral of alcoholism. His wife Kacie (Sarah Cleveland) finally takes their kids and leaves him to protect them, and then he's fired from his most recent job shortly after. Thankfully, he has a friend and mentor in his boxing trainer Sal (John French) who, in a few passionate speeches that reminded me of the movies Courageous and War Room, challenges him to get back up and face the obstacles. Not only does this movie inspire you to stand up and fight, but it also challenges the notion that faith-based films, especially those of a low budget, are cheesy. "Fight" is a realistic story with an AMAZING soundtrack and honest character portrayals from an all-volunteer cast.

Inspiring and Relatable

[sflotwaract · 7/10 · 8 February 2021]

Fight is an excellent story, it has a very thoughtful plot. When I found out that the film was shot entirely by a volunteer cast and crew within a church family, that explained what struck me as inexperience by many of the actors. Even with a volunteer church group producing the film, the cinematography was well designed and the score brought a fullness to the screenplay. This was a well shot film that belies the budget. This film shared an inspiring story that many can relate to and be encouraged by. I'd recommend it because of that.

Unbelievable quality for the budget

[timcollins4 · 10/10 · 4 February 2021]

I am not a huge faith-based films fan typically. Most faith-based movies tend to be too preachy and a little cheesy. However, "Fight" was gritty and real. I was blown away by the acting and the production value for such a small budget film. Would recommend this film to anyone who wants to learn how to "fight for what matters." Two huge thumbs up! Well done

Finally, a realistic and non-cheesy Christian film!

[katherine1864 · 10/10 · 6 February 2021]

This is the faith-based movie I have been looking for. It is realistic and not cheesy like many of the faith-based films I have seen in the past. The characters are relatable and the script is written in a way that makes the storyline feel as if the characters could be real people, with real world issues to face. While there are no big named actors in "Fight," the acting does an incredible job of feeling authentic. I would recommend this movie to any family that wants to have a movie night that results in good conversation with their kids or spouses.

What are you fighting for?

[paullincks · 10/10 · 8 February 2021]

At some point in life I think most all of us have hit the proverbial mat. We get knocked down. Maybe through life circumstances we hit rock bottom. Maybe we feel we've been stripped of everything that was so important to us. Will we give up? This story is really a story about each of us. When faced with the difficulties of life. When everything seems to be against us. What will we do? Where is our faith? Will we give up? Or will we FIGHT?

"Fight" delivers a winning knockout.

[ksanders-56083 · 8/10 · 9 February 2021]

The well-placed establishing shots coupled with the driving music set the tone for some great storytelling. The cinematography was creative and effective without being overly 'artsy' which can be difficult on any budget. I was also impressed by the raw and authentic performances given by the lead actors. Well-done.

Fight Packs a Serous Punch

[alonzofilms · 10/10 · 7 February 2021]

Most low budget films struggle with cheesy acting, poor quality lighting, and lack of proper pace to tell a story. "Fight" did not suffer in these areas. I was pleasantly surprised with how well this movie flows and how high of a production level that it is for the budget. Extremely well done in all areas! Would highly recommend this film to anyone who loves sports films with a positive message!

"Fight" Is An Impressive Micro-Budget Feature

[kellyburoughs2 · 10/10 · 16 February 2021]

"Fight" is ambitious. For a faith based film to trying to tackle something as large scale as a boxing storyline (with only $30k), "Fight" shockingly succeeds. Indie films of this budget, especially faith-based ones. tend to struggle with pacing. While "Fight" has a few scenes that could have probably been a little shorter, the pacing and establishment of story is phenomenal. Most lower budget and micro budget films feel rushed, but "Fight" feels developed.

Travis Hancock shines in his debut role as Bo Lawson. At the beginning of the film, I wondered if there would be any redeeming quality to his character. I found myself having a hard time relating to him and wanting to root for him. However, as the story unfolded through flashbacks, the audience was given the opportunity to dive deeper into why Bo was the way he was. Midway through the movie when the audience sees Bo interact with his children at the library is when you finally find yourself starting to root for him. This is a testament to the pacing and artful storytelling that "Fight" exhibits.

This is not a Christopher Nolan blockbuster by any means, but "Fight" is an impressive feature film that far exceeds its limited budget. Very impressive from First Capital Films and director, Tyler Sansom. I would recommend this movie to anyone.

A sports movie with faith themes for everyone!

[alonzofilms · 10/10 · 8 February 2021]

I am always hesitant when it comes to faith based movies. However, "Fight" is a winner! It isn't often that real world issues are tackled within Christian based movies. They always feel fairy-tale-like and a bit cheesy. "Fight," however, isn't afraid to tackle the issues of addiction, marital struggles, and even abuse. It does all of this without a moment at the end of the film where everything is wrapped up in a nice little Christian bow and everything is good again. "Fight" shows struggle and redemption in a beautiful way. If you are a sports fan, you'll love the boxing sequences (which are impressive for the budget.) But even if you aren't a sports fan, I would recommend this movie to anyone!

"Add this to the list of great fight movies!"

[jamieshlaitas · 8/10 · 8 February 2021]

From the broken heart of what could have been, to the hopelessness of being trapped in the bottle with no apparent way out, Travis Hancock brings his character to life in an overwhelmingly realistic way while demonstrating how he is tearing his family apart. Sarah Cleveland perfectly portrays the anguish of a wife torn between her love for her husband and the need to protect her children from the dangers of an alcoholic Father in the house. With a simple look or the subtle motion of touching her ring finger, she effortlessly lets her emotions flow without a word. Within the first two minutes you can tell from the cinematography and the music track, this movie will be a good one! Although this film was put together by a church it does not cram "God" down your throat. Instead, the Director chooses to make a film that ALL can relate too. With a $30,000 budget and volunteer actors, he succeeded with flying colors! A story of marriage struggles, addictions, fear of failure, gossip, rumors and overcoming impossible situations, "Fight" is a movie that isn't just about boxing. It is about trying one last time!

Real Faith Reaches Into Darkness & Shines The Light!

[gluns4d-1 · 9/10 · 5 February 2021]

Fight provides the confidence boost everyone struggling with addiction, doubt, or temptation needs. Without preaching, it delivers a message of perseverance in the face of trials. Tyler Sansom and First Capital Films deliver a story that resonates with many inside and outside the church. Amazing production value for the budget and I really enjoyed the drone scenes which helped set up the film. It does not sugar coat the subject matter but provides a valuable lesson in how to get up when you're knocked down and keep moving forward. Great job to all involved!

Loved it!

[tmpsymonds · 10/10 · 9 February 2021]

I loved the messaging - no matter how deep of a hole you dig for yourself, you can still find a way out and it's not always the easy way. I liked that it is family friendly without being preachy or pushy - Sal! Quality score. Cinematography was amazing especially considering the budget. Thank you for not turning it into a chick flick! :)

Awesome!

[AshleighDillon91 · 10/10 · 8 February 2021]

I was completely shocked on how great of a movie Fight was. From the music, story line, acting, performing, and the filming itself was amazing for the small budget. This movie is deep and real and is something that happens to a lot of people this day in time. We need more real movies in this world that we live in. I highly recommend this movie! Well done!

A Heartfelt Story With a Sports Movie Flair!

[addisonroberts-53615 · 8/10 · 13 February 2021]

I love sports movies and sports stories. One of my favorites is the television show Friday Night Lights.I love the way this show blends the small town daily lives of people with the backdrop of a story and uses both as devices to push the plot. Fight does this well also. The imagery of the film makes you feel like a resident of the small town and you live through the moments with all of the characters. John French absolutely kills it as the boxing coach, Sal, and is fully engaging each time he is on the screen. The message of faith is present and accessible but not shoehorned in which felt nice. The music also shines as there was attention paid to finding the best songs for the beats of the film. Excited to see what the next effort of this group will be!

A story many can relate to

[paulasugrisham · 8/10 · 12 February 2021]

I enjoyed this movie for many reasons: The music was spot on with the scenes!! $30K budget, all volunteer cast & crew, sponsored by a church, the subject matter is one that many people can relate to. Most of the acting was good. There were a few slow spots and even some dialog that was drug out. Travis Hancock and Sarah Cleveland really got into their character. I felt Sarah's emotions during the painful decision of whether to leave or stay in an emeotionally abusive situation. And Travis knowing he'd done wrong and wanting to change but not knowing how. Good job Tyler, Ty, Brandon & Mark and all the cast & crew.

"Fight" defies Covid odds and financial limitations with a winning film!

[sayferguson · 10/10 · 21 March 2021]

This small town team has pulled off an incredible accomplishment during a pandemic and with very limited budget. Go see this film! Before you do, read the background on how they pulled it off, watch the interviews. You will be impressed with the cinematography. The story line is believable as are the cast in their roles. And wait until you hear the soundtrack! Folks are commenting all over the place about wanting the soundtrack released. See what determination and commitment can accomplish. This crew did it.

Fight has heart and grit

[leannejohnsoncpt · 8/10 · 23 February 2021]

Fight was a redemptive and believable story of love and forgiveness that showcased impressive cinematography, score, locations and talent for a 30K budget. There was a realistic feel to the film that made it easy to relax into the narrative and participate in the characters' conflicts and celebrations. The soundtrack in itself spoke volumes and several times the film takes a montage approach similar to a music video to communicate with the viewer. I appreciate the physical and emotional work put into the characters by the actors and especially enjoyed the final fight scene which was very well choreographed and exciting. Fight has a very solid ending with real and emotionally charged moments that stay with you as the credits roll. There are a few things I would have done differently or did not enjoy but those preferences are lost in the heart of this film, its message and the willingness of the cast and crew to get into the grit of real life on screen and to get this film made for us to see. Thank you to the FIGHT production unit for being honest and good stewards of your gifts. God bless and enjoy the show everyone!

Fighting the Flesh

[jaymendez-49892 · 8/10 · 9 February 2021]

If a movie catches my attention in the first 5 maybe 10 mins then its worth the shot.The music, the setting, the story line all were wonderful and meaningful.The acting wasn't too bad considering other faith movies I've seen .Some actors sounded a little too scripted but with alittle more acting classes these actors will be a hit.The story line relates to all of us one way or another we win some we lose some but we always need to remember God always has our back even when we don't think, He's always there in the silence waiting for our beckon call.I would recommend this movie especially if you can relate to the subject.

Power Packed Production!

[ekatieward · 10/10 · 8 February 2021]

Fight is a treasure of an Indie Production, from the opening scene, I was beautifully deceived by the character development, camera quality, and soundtrack. Bo's struggle is heartbreakingly obvious, growing more concerning as you learn of the family dynamic he spirals into; seemingly damning all things around him. Superb nod to the writing of this film, and the life brought into characters such as Bo, the pain expressed by his wife Kacie, and his never-ending 'rock of a trainer,' Sal. Director Tyler Sansom hits the mark in every category by not making this too in your face 'preachy,' as I would expect from a faith-based film, yet allowing the audience to realize what the title actually means: Fight. (A refreshing interpretation for this genre.) The cinematography is superb, blowing my mind for an Indie with this budget! As this retired boxer learns to train for a redemption fight; you see Bo fighting for his true redemption story, family, sobriety, self, peace, and this is a film worth being watched again and again. Box office Worthy, soundtrack is phenomenal, beyond congratulations to this cast and crew. I thank you.