Anthony Robles’ life story seems destined for Hollywood. Born with only one leg, Robles defied both societal prejudices and physical challenges to become a wrestling champion. His journey, marked by sheer determination and the unwavering support of his mother, Judy (portrayed by Jennifer Lopez), has now been adapted into the sports drama Unstoppable, directed by Oscar-winning editor William Goldenberg (Argo), in his feature debut.
The film, opening in select theaters Friday and streaming on Prime Video from January 16, offers an emotionally charged narrative that captures Robles’ relentless spirit. Jharrel Jerome delivers a compelling lead performance, bringing authenticity and passion to the role. Despite its inspiring premise, however, Unstoppable leans heavily on the familiar tropes of sports dramas, which somewhat dulls the impact of Robles’ extraordinary story.
A Story of Grit and Determination
Unstoppable wisely skips Robles’ childhood and starts his journey at the tail end of high school. Robles, who chose not to rely on prosthetics, excels in wrestling—his chosen sport because, as he quips, it’s “the only one where the other guy couldn’t run away.” Despite his high school successes, prestigious wrestling programs like Iowa dismiss his potential, leaving Drexel University as his best option. Yet, family complications lead him to walk on at Arizona State University, where he must prove himself to skeptical coach Sean Charles (played by Don Cheadle).
Jennifer Lopez brings depth to Judy, Anthony’s mother, whose role as his staunchest supporter is complicated by her tumultuous marriage to Rick (Bobby Cannavale). Rick’s character, while central to the story’s tension, comes across as a one-dimensional antagonist whose presence detracts from the depth of Judy’s narrative.
Judy’s resilience is highlighted in a powerful “mic drop” moment, yet the film misses opportunities to delve deeper into her character. Despite her magnetic performance, Lopez is somewhat constrained by the screenplay’s limitations, which could have benefited from a woman’s perspective among the writers.
The Sport at the Heart of the Story
The film shines brightest during the wrestling sequences. From grueling training sessions—including a memorable run up a rocky hill on crutches—to high-stakes matches, the portrayal of Robles’ athletic journey is both gripping and inspiring. His relationships with his coaches add emotional weight, with Michael Peña leaving a strong impression in limited screen time and Cheadle delivering his usual finesse.
Ultimately, the film belongs to Jharrel Jerome, whose portrayal of Robles captures both the physical and emotional rigor of the wrestler’s journey. Jerome’s performance elevates the film, making it a memorable watch despite its formulaic approach.
Final Verdict
Unstoppable is a heartfelt tribute to Anthony Robles’ remarkable achievements. While it doesn’t break new ground as a sports drama, the film’s inspiring message and Jerome’s standout performance make it worth watching.
Unstoppable, an Amazon MGM Studios release, is rated PG-13 for “some strong language and thematic material.” It has a runtime of 116 minutes and will stream on Prime Video starting January 16.
Rating: ★★½ (out of four)
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
