Director: Deanne Foley
Cast: Marthe Bernard, Robb Wells, Tony Nappo, Andy Jones, Daniel Beirne, Janet Kidder, Mark O’Brien, Laura Dennis
Country: Canada
Language: English

The story of the boy who runs away to join the circus is an old one, but how about the girl who ran away to join the pro-wrestling tour?

Fran is a young woman who has only one dream: to wrestle. Her washed-up wrestler father is dead-set against it, and when she’s finally had enough of him, she runs away to follow her heart. Unfortunately, nothing is what it seems in the wide world of Canadian professional wrestling, and Fran has to deal with her father’s attempts to get her to leave as well as behind-the-scenes politics and conniving among the other wrestlers.

“Beat Down” has its flaws and lacks polish, but it has a huge heart. It’s easy to root for Fran as she learns to navigate the world of adults and refuses to stay down for the count. The actors all give their best, and the matches are a blast. It’s also fun to see what goes into the “fake” wrestling matches of the pro circuit. It may be decided in advance who wins, but the strength, skill, and guts of the wrestlers are as real as it gets.

Showtimes:
3/2 7:15 PM Camera 12
3/4/ 2:15 PM Camera 12
3/5 12:45 PM Camera 12
3/7 1:45 PM Camera 12