Challenge

Author(s): JG (NY)
Challenge

Directed by: Ron Howard
Written by: Dick Wolf
Music by: Jerry Goldsmith

Main Cast:

Kevin Zegers as Adam Rosenstein
Matthew Fox as Jacob Weiss
Jeremy Piven as Richard Oliver
Meryl Streep as Hannah Rosenstein
James Lafferty as Michael Darwell

Tagline: His real challenge was off the mat.

Synopsis:

Adam Rosenstein is one of the few Jewish teenagers living in his 1950's all-American southern town. He attended elementary and middle school in the state's only Jewish school with just 30 other students. When Adam was in 6th grade, a new gym teacher, Jacob Weiss, was hired and introduced him to the sport of wrestling. Rosenstein was never really into sports because Jewish kids were never allowed to enter any of the state's sports leagues or competitions. However, he became attracted to wrestling after learning that it was not a common sport and that it could help make him stronger to fight off bullies who criticized him for being Jewish. For the next few years, Adam trained and practiced wrestling with a few of his classmates. He stayed with it through his early high school years and eventually turned into an excellent wrestler. However, just before his senior year of high school, his school was shut down and he reluctantly gave up wrestling. He attended one of the local public schools for his senior year and was ridiculed for his beliefs by many of the other students. Even though he knew that Jews were not allowed to participate in school sports, he tried out for the school's wrestling team anyway. The coach, Richard Oliver, was so impressed with Rosenstein that he let him join the team anyway. That year, Adam worked his absolute hardest to remain a member of the team and to give it his all. He became the team's star player and carried his team to the state finals. However, when the opposing team discovered that Adam was Jewish, controversy arose and they demanded that he should not be allowed to participate. This led to an outburst of prejudice and hatred amongst many of the state's citizens and became a huge issue in the way high school sports were conducted in this state.

What the press would say:

In order for a film to have a great impact on the audience, it needs to be real, relatable, interesting, and inspiring. And that is exactly what "Challenge" is. It's a film about trying new things, never giving up, and always believing in yourself. Adam Rosenstein, the film's main character, struggles with each of these issues during his teenage years as a Jewish wrestler living in a Christian state. From the minute the movie begins, the audience is able to see the depth and intensity Kevin Zegers gives to his character, Rosenstein, with his two eyes alone. Right away, one can see his overwhelming amount of determination and how he is really devoting himself to be the best that he can be. As the film moves from Rosenstein as a boy learning a new sport, to a teenager challenging himself and the state in which he lives, one can see how Zegers evolves into the outstanding actor that he truly is. He really poured his soul into this role and deserves to be recognized.

Adam Rosenstein's main influences in the sport of wrestling are his middle school gym teacher (played by Matthew Fox) and his high school coach (played by Jeremy Piven). Fox's character, Jacob Weiss, serves as one of Rosenstein's father figures who stays by Adam's side throughout everything, acting as a both a mentor and a friend. Fox wonderfully portrays Weiss' sincerity and strength. Piven greatly transforms into a believable wrestling coach who just wants the best for his team and for everything to be fair.

As for the rest of the cast, Meryl Streep once again delivers playing Mrs. Rosenstein, a typical Jewish mother who deeply cares about her son. James Lafferty is also solid in a minor role as one of Rosenstein's wrestling teammates.

The final piece that completes the film is Ron Howard. Howard truly captivates the feel of Rosenstein's character throughout the film and does an excellent job of portraying life in this small southern town. Howard made sure to be up close for the intense wrestling scenes in order to make the viewers feel like they are watching it from the stands. He brilliantly balances the film and he too should be recognized for his efforts.

Although "Challenge" may seem like a typical sport movie, it really is not. It offers something different, with unique plot twists and an ending so unexpected that it will have everybody talking!

For Your Consideration:

Best Picture
Best Director: Ron Howard
Best Actor: Kevin Zegers
Best Supporting Actor: Matthew Fox
Best Supporting Actress: Meryl Streep
Best Original Screenplay: Dick Wolf