NEVER GIVE UP.

Oscar-winning editor William Goldenberg made his directing debut with this biopic about a remarkable athlete, Anthony Robles, who was born without a right leg but still became a wrestling champ.

The film focuses on his struggles after high school when he tried to convince the wrestling team at Arizona State University of his capabilities, while also protecting his mother from his increasingly abusive stepdad.

Very traditional, but still works its formula with skill, aided by Jharrel Jerome’s performance and visual effects that make us believe he actually does miss a leg.

2024-U.S. 123 min. Color. Widescreen. Directed by William Goldenberg. Book: Anthony Robles, Austin Murphy. Cast: Jharrel Jerome (Anthony Robles), Jennifer Lopez (Judy Robles), Michael Peña (Bobby Williams), Don Cheadle, Bobby Cannavale, Mykelti Williamson.

Trivia: Co-produced by Ben Affleck; co-executive produced by Matt Damon. The real-life Robles serves as Jerome’s stand-in in the wrestling scenes.