KSL Movie Show review: ‘The Fire Inside’ a modern-day Rocky?

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SALT LAKE CITY — Others are touting “The Fire Inside” as a modern-day Rocky, featuring a real-life Claressa “T-Rex” Shields (Ryan Destiny). Shields trained hard in her humble town of Flint, Michigan. Her goal was to represent the United States at the 2012 Summer Olympic Games. 

Her local gym, run by Jason Crutchfield and played by Brian Tyree Henry (in one of the best supporting roles of the year), sees something in her power and determination that encourages Crutchfield to help her reach her goals. 

They are a great team. He knows she has the potential, but also sees the difficult circumstances of her family situation. Her mom is looking for that proverbial pot of gold. Officials are about to release her dad from prison. His story has changed to fit a narrative. Which felt like a misstep.  

But the beauty of this film is that it fully shows the tragedies and the triumphs Claressa will experience during her run toward success. It also points out that even when she reaches the mountain top, it does not even come close to solving all her problems. Reality is exuded everywhere, making this a completely believable story (except for the dad bit).

THE FIRE INSIDE (B+) Rated PG-13 for some strong language, thematic elements and brief suggestive material.  

The KSL Movie Show with Andy Farnsworth and Steve Salles airs Fridays on KSL NewsRadio from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Follow the show on Facebook, and join The KSL Movie Show Club for exclusive perks by texting MOVIE to 57500. Message and data rates may apply. Text STOP to cancel. Message frequency varies.