[usr 4.5]
Matt sets out to live his dreams of becoming a world champion fighter. He meets Happy McBride, a washed up has-been, who takes him under his wing and introduces him to the underground world of MMA fighting. Matt fights his way to the top but then finds that love throws a stronger punch when his falls for Happy’s daughter Nikki.
“Shiner” is a very intense and action-packed film starring Kevin Bernhardt (“Hellraiser III: Hell on Earth”) who also wrote the film. The movie is about a man who sets out to fulfill his dream of becoming a world champion fighter. Kevin plays a down-on-his-luck former MMA champion fighter, Happy McBride, who takes a young fighter under his wing named Matt (Seya Hug) while trying to reclaim his past glory.
While Matt quickly fights his way to the top, he catches the eye of Happy’s former manager Larry (Brian T. Finney). This, as you might expect, generates jealousy from Happy. If that doesn’t cause complications, when Matt begins a romantic relationship with Happy’s daughter Nikki (Shannon Staller), things do get heated. Happy had to give up fighting in order to raise his daughter after his wife committed suicide. The only thing that is keeping Happy from going insane, is the love he has for his daughter and his desire of once again becoming a champion. However, his past is the main challenge that is making these goals very difficult to obtain.
Happy is mostly a jerk throughout the film and Kevin plays Happy perfectly. He provides depth to him and is charismatic enough that you can’t help but love him. However, Happy gives the viewer every reason not to love him. The film doesn’t pull any punches portraying Happy as anything other than what he is, but at the same time, the movie makes you also see that Happy isn’t a bad guy.
Supporting Kevin in the film are two young co-stars, Seya Hug and Shannon Staller, who both turn in strong performances. Seya is the son of K-1 kickboxing legend Andy Hug. Hug provides a good performance as a young and naive fighter from out of town. He shows a lot of potential for a young actor. Staller is also very natural in her role as Happy’s daughter. She plays off both Hug and Bernhardt nicely.
This was a surprise film for me, but truly an enjoyable one. Kevin Bernhardt does an excellent job as Happy, but I was nicely surprised with the script.
Available on digital platforms November 27th
