Haymaker

I loved this quiet, unassuming film, but I write from a kind of insider perspective, and it's not for everyone, especially if you want something high drama and action packed.. this is subtle, slow to burn but the romantic angle is surprisingly realistic which may be difficult for most people to accept.. I found the chemistry between the two main actors just right, nothing gratuitous, not patronizing. We didn't need to be told everything.. Mr Sasso's quiet thoughtful demeanour - some would say deadpan or bland - I think suited the characters journey, from one of indifference, rejection to one of acceptance and eventually unconditional love, which is what it's all about.. it's a hard emotional road trip for a man of this character and sexuality, and I think Mr Sasso played it just right.. It's also to be commended that the female singer's background was not politicized and only briefly alluded to.. this makes a pleasant change from the usual negative portrayals one generally sees.

A retired Muay Thai fighter named Nicky "Mitts" Malloy (Nick Sasso, who stars, wrote, produced, directed, edited and did visual effects for this movie) is a bouncer who was once an muay thai figher. One night, he rescues Nomi (Nomi Ruiz), a transgender entertainer, becoming her bodyguard and entering a relationship that will change both of them. Ruiz - also known as Jessica 6 - contributed several songs to this film, including "Like a Ghost", "Savage", "Broken Toy," and what I really liked about her role in the film is that her trans status is just a fact. It's not a shock or played that way. It just is. There are plenty of familiar faces here, like D.B. Sweeney as Nick's brother, Zoe Bell as his muay thai coach and Udo Keir pops up for a bit. Sasso may not be the world's best actor, but he definitely has a great sense out of how to get the most production value out of this film. It looks gorgeous, with a neon palette and graphic novel sensibility. Just take a look at the poster. He's able to get that look in this movie as well. For a feel good fight story, Haymaker avoids cliches. I look forward to seeing what Sasso and Ruiz do next.

This movie is not about Muay Thai. However the depth of character the main actors achieved is somewhat surprising.

You will see complaints that this contains very little Maui Thai, the singing is flat, and the story misses opportunities. That's all fair. If you come in expecting a sport movie, or a pop extravaganza, you are going to be disappointed. The film is problematic - the lighter notes are there, the dark side misses some depth and the missed opportunities in the script will be clear. But it is thoughtful, deep enough to engage, dark enough to make characters real, light enough to be approachable for folks outside the trans community, and absolutely artfully shot. No Hollywood blockbuster, but a pretty interesting diversion.

This is a Bodyguard wannabe spinoff but with really bad acting... Seems like the whole movie was filmed with phone camera, and was script written originally for an adult movie. What a waste.

I am a big martial arts fan ,however this movie had nothing to do with martial arts or love or romance . The camera, dialogue,screen play and sound just awful it seemed the whole movie was recorded on a old phone . I gave it one because that's the lowest score I can give here this movie deserve a minus 200 .don't waste your time very forgettable.