As we near the end of the year, there are still plenty of movies that audiences are looking forward to. The race for awards is heating up, which means that many of the year’s most exciting titles will be released in the next month and a half. However, there are very few titles left that are a total mystery to critics, who are typically the first people to see these movies. One of the last mysteries of the season finally has some initial reviews, and they’re pretty stellar.
The Iron Claw, which documents the rise to wrestling stardom of the Von Erich family, follows a group of brothers who all follow in their father’s footsteps by entering the ring. The movie is ultimately a tragic story since many of the brothers died at young ages. Starring Zac Efron as Kevin Von Erich and Jeremy Allen White as Kerry Von Erich, the movie also features performances from Harris Dickinson, Holt McCallany, and Maura Tierney.
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The movie has already attracted plenty of attention thanks to the combination of its distributor, A24, and its director, Sean Durkin, who is known for making these kinds of twisty, suspenseful stories. Its cast of young talent, who underwent physical transformations to prepare for their roles as professional wrestlers, has made many people curious about what the finished product might look like.
Efron and White have been particularly vocal about what they put their bodies through for this film. For Efron, it was about modifying his workouts in past movies and allowing himself to carry more body fat than he had when he bulked up for something like Baywatch. “He’s so focused and knowledgeable on training, diet, etc. In terms of a physical transformation, I think he blew us all out of the water. He looks amazing in this thing,” White said of Efron in an interview with Esquire. White also stated that they both bulked up in part by just eating continuously.
What viewers think of The Iron Claw
Now, we have a sense of if all that work paid off. The film had its first screening for critics on November 12, and the reactions have been overwhelmingly positive thus far. Here’s what they’re saying:
The Iron Claw is an absolute knockout. A heartbreaking tale of toxic masculinity and mental health. Zac Efron delivers a transformative performance that is easily his best work as an actor. It’s gripping, deeply emotional, and powerful. Wow, what a movie! #TheIronClawpic.twitter.com/I0I6f6MA24
#TheIronClaw is the "Manchester by the Sea" of wrestling movies. The tragic story of the Von Erich family is moving and orchestrated confidently by writer and director Sean Durkin. Zac Efron, Holt McCallany, and Maura Tierney soar. An impeccable ensemble. Heavy but essential. pic.twitter.com/OTN8j72SA3
Sean Durkin long wanted to tell the true story of the Von Erichs wrestling family. Zac Efron carries The Iron Claw, with able support from Holt McCallany, Harris Dickinson, and Jeremy Allen White. A24 could have a male audience December hit. pic.twitter.com/jhvwtsR6hU
THE IRON CLAW holds a lot in common with THE WRESTLER and THE FIGHTER that doesn’t hide the tragedy and trauma of the story. The cast is fantastic, especially Holt McCallany. There’s is one scene that irked me right at the end for it’s ableism but overall a solid Oscar film. pic.twitter.com/8t5U2VfSVI
#TheIronClaw is a movie that embodies its subject and title, viewing the Von Erich wrestling family through the lens of how the stronger you grip, the easier it is to let things slip. Not many films can elicit belly laughs, gasps and full-body sobs; this one can. A triumph. pic.twitter.com/N5d33hEBm0
Sean Durkin continues his winning streak examining the dissolution of dreams with #TheIronClaw. It’s a heartrending, heartbreaking, poignant study of brawn, brine & brotherhood. Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson & Stanley Simons give powerful, riveting performances. pic.twitter.com/QVd81GJ3Xf
THE IRON CLAW delves into the tragic story of the Von Erich’s with utmost reverence. Zac Efron delivers his most physically & emotionally demanding performance to date. Some of the best depictions of wrestling ever seen on film. A profound human drama of love, family & resiliency pic.twitter.com/VqxKWdPxAC
THE IRON CLAW: a heartbreaking tragedy steeped in Americana. Efron, White, Simon, and Dickinson add such interiority to their portrayal of the Von Erich family that it makes what happens sting so much more. Artful, empathetic, and at times exhilarating. Wiping tears away. pic.twitter.com/ojqQer1uZw
The Iron Claw is a late year gem. At times a gutting, it also has deeply moving moments and is grounded by a sensitive performance from Zac Efron. Cinematography is a standout and the whole cast is excellent. This was a tightrope of a story but Sean Durkin walked it beautifully pic.twitter.com/c4LGf1NU89
Just how far The Iron Claw will go this awards season remains to be seen. There are often a couple of end-of-year surprises that manage to sneak their way into the Oscars race, but Durkin’s films have not yet crossed that barrier. Given how long many have been waiting to see what Efron might be able to do in the hands of a capable director, though, it seems possible that The Iron Claw could be that breakthrough effort.
The Iron Claw is set to hit theaters on Friday, December 22, just a few days before Christmas. It may not be the uplifting movie of the season, but it’s gearing up to be one of the best-reviewed.
When it comes to shows that you can shut your brain off and just enjoy a thrill ride of exciting twists and passionate romance, Netflix's crime drama You fits the bill. Starting out on Lifetime and based on a novel by Caroline Kepnes, You stars Penn Badgley as a serial killer who just wants to find love . . . but those aspirations are often overtaken by his bloodier, more morbid desires. The show resembles a more lightweight, sexy version of Dexter or Hannibal and has attracted several different audiences since its inception in 2018.
You may be a roller coaster ride, but it also gets into a repetitive cycle of storytelling each season. Each season Badgley's Joe Goldberg meets a new love interest, explores a different city, and then runs away for a fresh start before repeating the plot over again. This makes the news of the fifth season being the last all the more enticing. This allows the crew behind the scenes to go out with a bang and escape the familiarity of the plot lines from the past couple of seasons. This is everything we know so far about You season 5 on Netflix!
What will You season 5 be about?
You season 5 will pick up in New York after season 4 took place in London. Joe and Kate are still together after the death of Kate's father. They will try to manage Joe's attempts to accept his psychotic urges while also blending back into American life and society. It looks like Joe will go back to working in a library or bookstore again as he gets to know more of Kate's family members. The final season needs to address whether Joe will ever be able to live normally as a serial killer, or whether he is doomed to be consumed by his murderous background.
Who will star in You season 5?
Can you bring cigars on a plane, and what’s the best way to travel?
Over the last couple of years, I have traveled quite a bit. I've been on family cruises; I've traveled by plane for a funeral, to visit friends and family, and for other reasons. Everywhere I go, I usually pack and bring some smokes with me. Because of the strict TSA and carry-on rules, you might think that it's not okay to bring cigars or that you'll almost certainly lose them. That's not the case at all, and I've pretty much perfected the art of bringing my favorite hobby along. Pull up a seat, grab a cold beverage, light your favorite cigar, and let's talk.
Can you bring cigars on a plane?
According to the TSA, yes, it's acceptable to bring cigars in carry-on bags and checked bags. So, yes, you can bring cigars on a plane. However, the TSA resource does mention that "the final decision rests with the TSA officer on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint." To translate that, it means that they could potentially confiscate your cigars based on their own discretion. You can politely debate allowed items, hoping the TSA agent might see reason, but again, they always have the final decision.
Want to get into photography? The Canon EOS R100 is $200 off today
For some, it might be hard to justify a dedicated camera purchase, because nearly every modern phone has a built-in camera. If you intend to take professional-quality photos, however, phone cameras really won't do. The problem is that trying to break into the world of photography can be very, very expensive. That's why it's always good to start with a beginner-friendly camera until you learn the ropes. The Canon EOS R100 is an excellent novice and intermediate-level camera, and it's on sale today at Target. Normally $600, you're saving $200 as part of this deal, which means you're getting the camera for $400. That really is an incredible offer that we've seen come and go recently, and we're mighty glad it's back.
Why shop this Canon EOS R100 deal with a lens kit at Target?
So, what does this camera have going for it? Why is it such a good option for beginner to intermediate photographers? Besides the fact that Canon is an excellent brand -- and a staple in the photography world -- it has some great specs, but more importantly, it's user-friendly and intuitive to configure. That might not seem like much until you're out in the field trying to snap some incredible pics and you have full access to the settings and features.
