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The Philly Kid

2012 American film From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Philly Kid
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The Philly Kid is a 2012 American sports drama film directed by Jason Connery and written by Adam Mervis. The film stars Wes Chatham as a former NCAA wrestling champion who is paroled after serving ten years in prison and is drawn into the world of mixed martial arts to help a friend repay a dangerous debt. The supporting cast includes Devon Sawa, Chris Browning, Lucky Johnson, Kristopher Van Varenburg, Michael Jai White, and Neal McDonough.

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Plot

After serving ten years in a Louisiana prison for the wrongful conviction of assault and the murder of a police officer, former NCAA wrestling champion Dillon McGuire is granted parole. Returning to his hometown in Baton Rouge, he reunites with his best friend, Jake, who is heavily indebted to local gamblers. To help repay the debt, Dillon is drawn into the world of underground cage fighting.

As Dillon racks up victories, he becomes entangled in a web of corruption involving a manipulative parole officer, a crooked cop, and exploitative fight promoters. He also develops a romantic relationship with a local woman, further complicating his attempts to lead a stable life. Despite growing pressure to throw a fight, Dillon struggles to maintain his integrity and reclaim control over his future.

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Cast

Production

Principal photography for The Philly Kid began in May 2011 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The production featured a number of crew members with academic or professional ties to Wright State University’s film program and the Dayton, Ohio, film community, including approximately ten department heads.[2]

Release

The Philly Kid was released theatrically in the United States on May 11, 2012, with an R rating from the Motion Picture Association.[3] The film was distributed as part of the "After Dark Action" bundle and screened for one week in ten selected cities.[4] It was simultaneously made available through video on demand platforms.[5][6]

Reception

Critical reception

The Philly Kid received mixed reviews from critics, with praise directed at its fight choreography and musical score, while criticism focused on its formulaic plot and lack of depth.

Variety described the film as "formulaic, functional guys'-night-in entertainment," noting that while the performances and Jason Connery’s direction were "solid enough," the film lacked distinctive elements that might have elevated it "above routine competence."[3] Los Angeles Times similarly remarked that the film "attempts to locate a drama within the world of mixed martial arts fighting, when all it really wants to do is show some fights."[7]

IndieWire criticized the film for its predictability, writing that “The Philly Kid never gains traction as a film about anything other than what it's about—you’ve seen it before you’ve seen it,” and graded it a “C−.” However, the review acknowledged that the combat sequences were “vivid and believable.”[8]

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Soundtrack

The film’s original score by Ian Honeyman received more favorable attention. SoundtrackGeek.com praised the music as “a score with soul and heart” and noted that it did not feel “factory-produced.” The site awarded it an overall score of 81 out of 100.[9]

References

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