56
Metascore
8 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 90Film ThreatLorry KiktaFilm ThreatLorry KiktaThe script, written by David McKenna, is extremely impactful, as are the performances.
- 70Los Angeles TimesMichael OrdoñaLos Angeles TimesMichael OrdoñaIn Embattled, the human side feels explored, as if the film could have been made without the MMA scenes and still been a worthwhile watch. But it does have those adrenaline-injecting fights, so … all the better.
- 67The Film StageJared MobarakThe Film StageJared MobarakDon’t expect to find yourself on track to the usual happy ending—or usual sad one for that matter. Many of the stops will seem familiar, but the ways in which they’re experienced are authentic and perhaps even surprising.
- 60The New York TimesBen KenigsbergThe New York TimesBen KenigsbergWhen it’s showing its sensitive side, the film, scripted by David McKenna (“American History X”) and directed by Nick Sarkisov, unexpectedly shines.
- 60The Hollywood ReporterFrank ScheckThe Hollywood ReporterFrank ScheckUnfortunately, the talented actor, while delivering a fiercely compelling performance, is let down by the formulaic screenplay by David McKenna, who explored similarly abrasive territory with such previous efforts as "American History X" and "Blow."
- 50Slant MagazineDerek SmithSlant MagazineDerek SmithThe film muddies its sense of moral righteousness by suggesting that violence and vengeance can only be defeated by more of the same.
- 50VarietyGuy LodgeVarietyGuy LodgeAt several points in Georgian director Nick Sarkisov’s roaring, blood-and-guts film, it’s hard not to wish it would take things down a notch: A hokey, old-fashioned father-son meller clothed in a younger man’s bling-encrusted robes, it increasingly sacrifices emotional credibility for the violent, amped-up bravado of MMA itself.
- 50RogerEbert.comRobert DanielsRogerEbert.comRobert DanielsThe father-son drama in Embattled might win some rounds, but the abundance of clichés leads to a loss overall.