Boxing Remake Fights Its Own Story

André Holland stars as Walt Manigan, an ex-convict on parole attempting to rebuild his life and reconnect with his family. He finds himself drawn back into boxing coaching at a local recreation center, aiming to guide young athletes like Peanut and Quincey.

The film, "They Fight," attempts to balance Walt's personal journey with the children's competitive struggles. While Holland effectively conveys Walt's internal battles and regrets, the narrative frequently falters in developing its promised subplots, such as Walt's sobriety or the boxers' motivations.

Despite its promising premise and moments of genuine emotional resonance, "They Fight" struggles with pacing and plot. The story becomes contrived when forcing dramatic tension, especially during the climactic boxing matches, which lack convincing stakes for the young competitors.

Ultimately, "They Fight" excels when it captures authentic character interactions and dialogue, revealing the emotional lives of its subjects. However, its reliance on familiar boxing movie tropes and an underdeveloped plot make it a weaker imitation of the real-life stories it is based on.