Movie: The Bronze
My Rating: 5 stars
This is just about the funniest movie I’ve seen in a really long time. I was expecting to like it, but I wasn’t expecting to like it this much. This movie had me laughing out loud, alone in my own home. Who does that? I think it’s mostly because of all the unbelievably filthy things coming out of the mouth of a tiny, blonde gymnast with the thickest Midwestern accent this side of Akron. This dark comedy drops us into the everyday life of former, elite gymnast, Hope Ann Gregory (played by Melissa Rauch). It’s been ten years since the competition that both brought her a bronze medal, and ended her career. And, she doesn’t appear to be making the transition into civilian life very smoothly.
Hope is a local celebrity in her small town, even though she hasn’t been doing much since her competing days. But, she lost a lot after her injury took gymnastics away from her, and her self-esteem has really taken a beating. This leads our charming protagonist to start acting out in a number of ways. Hope has been using her status to mooch free items and validation from the kindly townsfolk. A free sandwich here, some hot merchandise there, promiscuous sex with anyone who’ll tell her she’s pretty. It’s not that she’s a monster. She’s just emotionally wounded, and trying to fill that void. And, Hope’s poor father is at his wits end trying to tame this wild beast. So, in an attempt to give her life some direction, her dad drums up a coaching job for her. Hope will coach a promising, new gymnast to the national championships . . . if she can overcome her jealousy of a rising star, that it.
I’m making this movie sound like a heartwarming tale of self-redemption. But, it really isn’t. This is a rude, raunchy, and shocking, dark comedy. It’s not shocking because of what’s said and done. It’s scandalous because we all think of gymnasts as prim, pure, sexless pixies. So, when we see one tramping around town, drinking and swearing like a sailor, it’s enough to make you do a double take. I loved it!
I recommend this movie to anyone who thinks they can handle watching an unrepentant potty-mouth. Because, it’s really hilarious. I haven’t given out five stars in a long time, and I feel that this movie certainly deserves it. It’s not for people with delicate sensibilities. The movie’s got sexual content, drug use, and the language is absolutely filthy. (And, this is from the protagonists that we’re meant to be rooting for). But, you should be familiar with my tastes by now. I go for some pretty outrageous stuff. And, I was very pleased with the novelty and surprises this movie had to offer. Go for it.