Pit Fighter (2005)

To me, this movie is perfection.

Just what I expected

i must have seen a different film!!

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

Yeah, I found Pit Fighter to be awesome. I'm not sure if it would appeal to anyone that doesn't like the fighting genre. But for those who like it, congrats, you got yourself a good movie. I wouldn't say there's nothing wrong with this movie though. There are a few holes in the plot, like the ending (It didn't make a crazy lot of sense, but hey, I like blood). That, and I thought that the parts with the Virgin Mary were really, REALLY cheesy. Like, in a bad way. It was a bad special effect PLUS it was just kind of dumb. It showed that he was a religious man, but the parts were kind of pointless and dumb. Other than those two flaws, I think this is a great movie and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to see a less psychological Fight Club.

I worked with Jesse Johnson in the UK in 1988 on his first short film Old Priest, an homage to spaghetti westerns. It was clear then he showed talent, and 17 years later I was delighted to see his latest work The Pitfighter on French TV earlier today.On the plus side we see Jesse working with a limited budget to produce a competent, professional effort, with much style and thought. Steven Bauer is excellent and gives this tale of a man seeking redemption some weight. Jesse's script could have done with a further re-write, but shows moments of humanity in amongst all the brutality. On the negative side though there is too much unnecessary violence, which negates the film's many thoughtful and tender moments. While I expected some tough moments during the fight sequences, it was the violence outside of the ring that surprised me. The scene in a car park of man getting his mouth smashed in with an icepick for me was way over-the-top, as were some of the shootouts.I'd like to see Jesse Johnson given a decent budget, and perhaps someone else's material, at this point in his career his directorial skills far outweigh his scriptwriting ability. He has the ability to make a full-blown Robert Rodriguez/Sam Peckinpah style film, but only if he acknowledges his own failings and works in collaboration with others who can compliment his abilities.You may be interested to know that when I watched this on French channel TPS, it was about 5pm on a Sunday afternoon, and before the film they showed a caption saying that this film is not recommended for children under the age of TEN! They must have tough kids in France, in the UK this film would have an 18 rating for sure.I've given this film 7/10. Recommended for those action fans who like to see what is possible on a small budget, and those of you who like your fight sequences realistic and brutal.

I've read the negative comments on this film and agree that there are some things that could have been done to make the movie better. However, Mr. Johnson has made a really good film considering the budget he had to work with. As a recording artist I am well aware of the difference that a big budget makes.The fight scenes were very well done. Dominique Vandenberg is an awesome fighter and looks the part. It's good to see a fight film without the special effects used in today's martial arts movies. A refreshing return to the days when martial artist were only dependent on their own physical skills. Mr. Vandenberg is certainly one to watch for in the future.Steven Bauer and Stephen Graham are great actors and added a lot to this movie. Mr Graham's part was small but so well done. He is one of those great actors that makes it look easy, so natural.From my point of view, Steven Bauer was the star of this film. His character was the thread that tied the story together. Another fine actor that makes the work look easy. Fernando Carrillo is another one to watch for in the future. He is very charismatic.For those of you who are into violence, this film is violent. There are some scenes that are over the top with rage. And there is a lot of killing going on.The theme of a bad guy trying to make up for his past is a good twist.

If you are not ready for drama action so you shouldn't watch this film. Scenario isn't too good. No really good action no anything Van Dam's films are better but it's OK for people who like action and drama mix. (sorry for my English). For know if you really want to watch some action you should really have a look at film Unleashed there is everything what this movie doesn't have action and everything. I don't really know what the film makers wanted to show with this film. I'v have tried to look at the bright side of this film but it has no such thing. I don't know if you want you can watch this film film but it not worth your time. (it's just my opinion)