Uppercut (2025) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
“Uppercut” (2025), directed and written by Torsten Ruether, is a boxing drama that attempts to blend themes of ambition, mentorship, and personal transformation. The film follows Toni (Luise Großmann), a young woman who initially seeks training from Elliott (Ving Rhames), a seasoned ex-boxer. Over the years, she transitions from an aspiring fighter into a driven boxing manager, guiding her fighter, Payne (Jordan E. Cooper), to a championship bout.
While the premise hints at an emotional sports drama akin to Million Dollar Baby, the execution leaves much to be desired. Let’s take a deep dive into the film’s narrative structure, performances, pacing, and overall impact.
Plot Overview
“Uppercut” is structured around two timelines, which are interwoven throughout the movie.
- Present Day: Toni, now an influential boxing manager, prepares Payne for a career-defining match. However, personal distractions—such as a heated argument with her husband about their sick daughter—detract from the tension and focus on the fight.
- Eight Years Earlier: The film flashes back to Toni’s younger years, aimlessly wandering the streets of Manhattan before finding her way into Elliott’s rundown boxing gym. Despite initial reluctance, Elliott allows Toni to stay, engaging her in an unconventional training session filled with life lessons and music appreciation rather than actual boxing drills.
This dual narrative attempts to illustrate Toni’s growth from an eager apprentice to a hardened manager but ultimately struggles with coherence.
A Narrative Mess – Two Movies in One?
One of Uppercut’s biggest weaknesses is its fragmented storytelling. It feels like two separate movies forcefully stitched together—the slow, dialogue-heavy sequences between Toni and Elliott, and the high-stakes managerial scenes in the present day. Rather than seamlessly blending the past and present, the film creates disjointed moments that fail to develop strong emotional connections between the audience and the characters.
Additionally, the film’s focus on dialogue rather than action is surprising for a boxing-themed movie. Rather than showcasing intense training montages or thrilling fight sequences, Uppercut delivers prolonged conversations that fail to build tension or deepen character development.
Performance & Chemistry
Luise Großmann’s portrayal of Toni is underwhelming. As both an aspiring boxer and later a confident manager, her performance lacks charisma, making it difficult to root for her transformation. Ving Rhames, as Elliott, provides a solid presence, bringing much-needed gravitas to the film. However, even his performance cannot salvage the awkwardly written interactions between the two leads.
The chemistry between the main characters feels unnatural, making key emotional moments fall flat. Instead of a compelling mentor-student relationship, their dynamic often appears forced and lacking genuine warmth.
Pacing Issues & Unnecessary Scenes
Another major flaw is the film’s sluggish pacing. Uppercut takes an excessive amount of time establishing its characters without offering meaningful development. Scenes are prolonged with mundane dialogue, and crucial moments—such as Toni’s transition into boxing management—are brushed over or left unexplained.
For instance, we see extensive footage of Toni’s first training session, despite knowing she will never become a professional boxer. Meanwhile, the process of how she becomes a successful manager remains a mystery. The film seems more interested in trivial details rather than its most crucial plot points.
Comparison to Other Boxing Films
Compared to films like Million Dollar Baby or Creed, Uppercut lacks the emotional depth and energy that make sports dramas compelling. While those films effectively balance personal struggles with intense sports sequences, Uppercut struggles to find its identity, oscillating between personal drama and an uninspired attempt at a boxing story.
A superior alternative is The Fire Inside, a documentary about Olympic champion Claressa Shields, which tells a much more engaging and inspiring story of perseverance in the boxing world. Unlike Toni, Shields has a clear and compelling motivation that makes her journey resonate with audiences.
Where to Watch Uppercut Online
As of now, Uppercut is streaming exclusively on Amazon Prime Video. You can watch it here.
If you prefer renting or purchasing, the film may become available on platforms like:
- Apple TV (Rent/Purchase)
- Google Play Movies (Rent/Purchase)
- Vudu (Rent/Purchase)
- YouTube Movies (Rent/Purchase)
Keep an eye on these services for availability updates.
Final Verdict – A Disappointing Knockout
Uppercut had the potential to be an inspiring sports drama but ultimately fails due to its incoherent storytelling, weak character development, and lackluster performances. The film’s sluggish pacing and excessive dialogue make it a tedious watch, especially for fans expecting an action-packed boxing movie.
While Ving Rhames provides a commendable performance, it isn’t enough to salvage the film’s fundamental issues. For those seeking an engaging boxing drama, there are far better options available.
Looking for a gripping sports drama? Instead of Uppercut, consider watching Million Dollar Baby, Creed, or The Fire Inside for a truly inspiring experience.
If you’re still curious about Uppercut, you can stream it now on Amazon Prime Video. Let us know your thoughts—did you find the film more compelling than we did? Drop your reviews in the comments!
