THE IRON CLAW-Doesn't Grab Me with Zac Efron and Jeremy Allan White

THE IRON CLAW is a movie about a real family whose family business was tied to the ropes of professional wrestling. The Von Erich brothers garnered fame in the wrestling world in the 1980s under the Svengali leadership of their father, Fritz, played by square jawed, steely blue eyed Holt McCallamy. McCallamy never falters in his quest to raise the best wrestlers in the world regardless of the toll it exacts. Nor does Holt show signs of aging or emotion in his myopic mission to push his sons to be world class wrestlers. He started off with six sons until tragedies whittle his brood down to a last man standing. The sole surviving son is Kevin, (an almost unrecognizable Zac Efron on steroids). Efron is so pumped up for this role he appears freakish looking.  His outward appearance clashes with his inner tender and loving persona. Efron gives a poignant performance in this macabre, all too true story as the oldest brother who idolizes his dad and loves his brothers deeply. All the brothers have a profound connection with one another. Their relationships pack a K.O. that almost lands a winning decision for watching the movie now streaming on AppleTV.  The ensemble actors cast as brothers are all stirring in their roles.  Jeremy Allen White plays the brother Kerry. Kerry earned a place on the Olympic team as a discus thrower while a college student in 1980; the year Carter boycotted US athletes from competition. White is terrific as the son who might have broken out of his father's fatal grip if it weren't for Carter's lame decision that served no one and only punished US athletes who had dedicated years training.  Dad gets Kerry to join his brothers on the mat. It's not long after that brother David dies suddenly from injuries sustained from gut punches in the ring. Dad easily sways sons, Michael (an excellent Stanley Simons) and Chris to pick up the ropes and step into the ring. Between 1987 and 1993, Mike, Chris and Kerry all died by suicide. The film's relentless tragedies, compounded by suicide slams the viewer and holds them down for the count. Kevin seems the only immediate family member who fully mourns the loss of his brothers.  He is the only one who stands up to the father and blames him for not intervening.  Kevin was the only sibling who married and had kids.  The lovely and talented Lily James plays Kevin's brings much needed sensitivity and support for her husband and troubled family.  Within the brutal wrestling matches, the film provides heartwarming scenes of fraternal love. These moments are ingrained within a family odyssey of pain. Perhaps this film  can be viewed as a salute to the world of professional wrestling and a tribute to the Von Eric family who gained posthumous Wrestling Hall of Fame recognition.  For wrestling fans, this movie delivers plenty of wallops. Otherwise, the payoff feels as much a sham as the gilded, paper mache, heavyweight belt.