The Iron Claw Review: 6 Ups & 3 Downs

1. Emotional Rollercoaster

How else can one sum up the rise and fall of the Von Erich clan? Wrestling fans knew their story lent itself perfectly to the silver screen, with the emotional peaks and valleys that define a great drama.

Even with the exclusion of the Lance Von Erich fiasco and an entire Von Erich brother (Chris), The Iron Claw packed in enough heartache for two hours. Moviegoers saw the brothers being mobbed and treated like rockstars (though looking at actual footage, it seems like the movie undersold how popular the Von Erichs were), performing at the top of their industry and on the cusp of national superstardom.

And then it all fell apart in rapid-fire succession. David’s death was counterweighted by Kerry winning the NWA World Title, but that was immediately nullified by Kerry’s motorcycle accident and Mike’s injury and brain damage. Even Kerry’s run with the WWF was quickly darkened by his substance use and erratic behavior.

There’s no Hollywood happy ending or major redemption for the Von Erich family beyond Kevin finally finding peace after losing everything, the only silver lining in the film. The movie serves more as a cautionary tale about the dark underbelly of professional wrestling and how it can poison even the most All-American family in the business.

Wrestling diehards demanding a more historically accurate tale would do better to watch Dark Side of the Ring’s take on the Von Erichs. But Claw works exceptionally well for those looking for an entertaining, mostly faithful retelling of the Von Erichs’ story that a non-fan spouse or friend would enjoy.