Last spring, WWE had announced that they've partnered with Netflix to create content via their movie division on the streaming service. In other words, Netflix decided to feature even more badly marketed and awfully made movies.
Luckily, WWE's latest joint isn't that bad at all. Don't get me wrong, it's no "Marriage Story" but, it does pull off a capable effort of telling a story about being yourself (warning, this review contains a few minor spoilers).
The premise of this movie goes like this. An 11-year-old wrestling fan named Leo (played by Seth Carr) finds a luchador mask that gives him superhuman strength and agility. He then applied his new-found powers to in-ring action where he competes in a $50,000 WWE NXT tournament.
If it sounds familiar, that is because it's pretty much the premise of the film "Like Mike" with obvious differences like this movie is wrestling themed instead of basketball, it stars an 11-year-old child living with his grandmother and his father instead of a 13-year-old in an orphanage.
There were a few references in the movie where it will bother you especially if you watch a lot of pro wrestling every week like myself.
For instance, how Leo's Grandmother (played by Tichina Arnold) told him that they're gonna watch Monday Night RAW tonight only for the viewer to find out that he and Grandma were watching an episode of Smackdown.
Speaking of Grandma, I thought Pamela (that's a Martin Lawrence show reference) did a great job of giving a support system for Leo which is something I appreciate given that I'm a sucker for parent-child duos.
This ain't a WWE produced film without notable cameos from their real-life talents like Mia Yim, Keith Lee, Otis, The Miz, Kofi Kingston, Corey Graves, Renee Young, Sheamus, Eric Bugez (where the f**k has he been?) and everybody's favourite Babatunde who interestingly enough, came out to Crash Holly's theme song as his character's entrance.
Also, Keith Lee's smooth operator gimmick in the movie is something I do not mind seeing on WWE television not gonna lie I mean, he does have a good singing voice ya know.
Adam Pally, who portrayed Leo's father is the living embodiment of adulthood, it f'ing sucks. The dude got a mortgage to pay that he can't afford right away (that surprisingly rhymed) because of his job position as a lyft driver.
At the end of the day, this is an okay, digestible type of film that wouldn't blow your mind Gwen Stefani style.
What do you think about Netflix's Main Event? Sound off in the comments below and while you at it, follow me on Twitter @omartheplayaguy and my Facebook page for updates or some good general conversations. Anyways, stay home smarks.