Cam (Brad Benedict) and Laney (Molly Cerne) run a fitness studio with a loyal core clientele - but just not enough to keep the place afloat. But then they learn about the inaugural functional fitness competition their best athletes could enter as a team, and figure they couldn't only do with the prize money but also shoot a documentary about it as a marketing ploy. That sounds a good idea, especially when two film producers offer tome help if they turn their film into a reality series - but there's also a downside to this, as some of their best athletes refuse to join as it would mean months of training without pay. Instead, Laney's ex Kemp (Jeremy Mitchell), who has left town ages ago, returns and offers to participate - and while Laney's open to it, Cam not only senses a rival for Laney's affections, he also makes him responsible for his brother's death. But being short on athletes as it is, they don't really have a chance but invite Kemp in, and he and Cam are soon engaged in a never-ending game of alpha dog. Laney though warms up to Kemp again, and even lets him sleep at the gym when she learns he has no place else to stay. Meanwhile, Cam gets dangerously friendly with their houseguest Hillary (Alexandra Daniels), who's also one of their athletes - and soon enough, team spirit has gone to the dogs, which is the thing they lack most to get ahead with training and ultimately in the competition ...

Ok, if you're not really into gyms, then the first act of this movie will be a bit tiring for you, as it features a few too many scenes of already fit bodies working out and almost endless training montages that really don't drive the story and come across as a little to show-offish. It's only really when the narrative part sets in after the set-up that the film comes to life, gives the main characters motivation and arcs and makes them enjoyably fallible, and also makes the film something else than your typical sports feel-good movie where the underdog takes all in the end. And especially the film's enjoyably unexpected third act makes this one truly worth a watch.

review © by Mike Haberfelner

 

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