No one sets out to make a “Cult” film, because most films that hit that status have one thing in common, they failed at the box office. Failure is not in the plans, but while the initial failure may be disappointing, when you hit that “Cult” status you forget all about those first feelings and lost money. The question is, can you see a film that could reach that while it goes through the disappointment phase? I think you can see traces of what is to come, that what you just watched will find an audience that will give it new life, and with “The Bronze” I can kind of see that.
Hope Greggory (Melissa Rauch) had her moment in the sun after winning the bronze medal in 2004. She became the hero in her town, to the point where she wouldn’t have to worry about paying for much for her foreseeable future. Hope though, over the years has never let go of that moment and has become someone you don’t really want to spend any time with. When her old coach dies, her father Stan (Gary Cole) reads a letter asking Hope to help finish her current student’s training. That student is Maggie Townsend (Haley Lu Richardson), who many think has the talent to win the gold. With the help of Ben (Thomas Middleditch), who runs the gym, they plan to take Maggie to the top, in spite of all the stands in the way, which mostly is Hope herself.
Going into “The Bronze” I didn’t really know what to expect, because it was going to be either really funny, or it would miss its mark completely. Written by Melissa Rauch and Winston Rauch, it kind of achieves both in equal amounts. While there is more than a few laugh out loud moments, including a sex scene you might not be able to unsee, they are just not enough. Those funny parts are interrupted far to often by jokes that just don’t stick the landing (yeah I went there). You can see a good movie in the final product, which is why I think that the film will have a long life as it will eventually find its audience. Never having been a female gymnast, but knowing the dedication and life alternating effect it can have, I have to believe there might be a little truth in the pudding with what you see. In the end “The Bronze” has its moments that will make you laugh, but like its main character it won’t be getting the gold anytime soon.
