There’s been more than a few movies surrounding a character down on their luck trying to punch, kick, jab, grapple, or all of the above, their way to success or back to success. Think “Rocky”, “Million Dollar Baby”, “Warrior”, etc. In 2026 we get a new entry into that movie genre, “Beast”, that revolves around MMA fighting. Oscar winner Russell Crowe plays Sammy, a MMA trainer and Daniel McPherson plays Patton James, a former MMA champion, who Sammy once trained. Patton had it all right in front of him after becoming champion and in one instant he threw it all away. Now years later, retired as a fighter and nearly broke, Patton’s younger brother is trying to be a MMA champion and is brutalized in a fight by another fighter, Xavier Grau, who Patton knocked out years ago. This draws Patton, and his wife and daughter, into a web of danger with Xavier, Xavier’s promoter and some local thugs. Will Patton be able to fight his way out of this one? Will Sammy help him after Patton betrayed him? Is it worth going to the theater to find out? Watch this episode of Movies Merica to find out! “Beast” also stars Luke Hemsworth, Bren Foster, Kelly Gale, Mojean Aria, George Burgess, Nathan Phillips, Sol Nc Carrico, Saphira Moran and Amy Shark.