BRUISED

Hallie Berry makes her directional debut and it's a winner. The story follows Jackie Justice, a former undefeated UFC fighter who unceremoniously fled the ring when it looked like she was about to lose her first fight. She then went into hiding and became the butt end of jokes. However, Berry puts forth a strong performance and directional effort. Even though the film follows the same paint-by-numbers effort of previous films that follow the same formula and Berry brings nothing new to the table, the story is still engaging as she's thrust upon her new role as a mother. Having previously bore a son who was living with his now deceased father, the 6-year-old boy is brought back into her life and she's tasked with providing and establishing a relationship with him. Living in an emotional, abusive relationship with her live-in boyfriend and manager, he brings her to an underground fight to "sign a new talent" before said talent picks a fight with her. Beating her ass and becoming a topic of conversation again, she's thrust back into the spotlight, reestablishing her training now ready for a championship match that brings her name back to the forefront, with a potential to an invite back into the UFC if she can prove herself. Another rags to riches story that rips off the ROCKY storyline but even though it's something you've seen before, the story is still enough to keep you wanting more. Berry and her trainer Buddhakan (Sheila Atim) piece together a wonderful, comeback story. You already know how the story will end but worth spending the 2 hours with Ms. Berry. 6.5/10