Christy
Review by Mark Woodring
Another year, another actor physically transforming themselves to play a role we wouldn’t expect them in
This time up, it’s current IT GIRL Sydney Sweeney, whose normal, uh… physicality… takes a back seat to the physicality to play Christy Martin, an early pioneer of women’s boxing.
**NOTE: this post may be updated with audio once we actually have the chance to talk about it. Until then, you can read Mark’s review below. Remember, though, you can listen to all our discussions of this and every other movie directly over on ACAST. Stay tuned.**
135 Minutes, Rated R
Written by David Michôd, Mirrah Foulkes, Katherine Fugate
Directed by David Michôd
Synopsis:
Christy Martin never imagined life beyond her small-town roots in West Virginia—until she discovered a knack for punching people. Fueled by grit, raw determination, and an unshakable desire to win, she charges into the world of boxing under the guidance of her trainer and manager-turned-husband, Jim.
But while Christy flaunts a fiery persona in the ring, her toughest battles unfold outside it—confronting family, identity, and a relationship that just might become life-or-death. Based on remarkable true events, Christy Martin’s story is one of resilience, courage, and the fight to reclaim one’s life.
A decidedly less glamorous Sydney Sweeney steps into the boxing trunks of boxer Christy Martin, whose career rise and fall was intertwined with the toxic relationship she had with her trainer/husband, Jim, and whose marriage ended in multiple stab wounds and a gunshot.
Much pre-release hype has been given to Sweeney’s physical transformation, and it is, in fact, impressive. The permed mullet, the more muscular physique, and the makeup-free time in the ring all fly in the face of the Sweeney we normally see on films such as Anyone But You and countless red carpet events.
But is a physical transformation enough to carry an entire film?
Sometimes, but in this case, I’m going to have to say No.
Is Sweeney’s performance in addition to her physical work the problem? Not really.
Ben Foster, playing Jim Martin, gives us yet again another bad guy the audience would like to slap across the face, so he’s not the problem.
The fight scenes are shot decently, and the blood and sweat lend a sense of realism to the project.
So what’s the problem?
The problem is that, overall, there’s no drama in this biopic. The script is flat, and while Sweeney is certainly the bright spot, even Foster’s ability to be villainous is left out in the cold as he desperately tries to pump life into what is otherwise a cartoon character.
Yes, I believe it is possible to have performances that are good but which also fall flat. I know that doesn’t make sense, but here, it’s absolutely true.
That’s how mid Christy is.
In fact, it’s so mid that I’m going to recommend that you log onto Netflix and watch Untold: Deal With the Devil, instead. This documentary about Christy Martin is far more compelling than the “dramatized” version in this film.
How messed up is that?
Christy battles its way into theaters Friday, November 7, and stars Sydney Sweeney, Ben Foster, Merritt Wever, Katy O’Brian.
And remember, if the BEST thing you can say about a movie is that it’s “visually stunning,” then they’ve done something wrong.
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