Queen of the Ring

Vancouver’s own Emily Bett Rickards (Arrow) gives a powerhouse performance as Mildred Burke in this rousing sports biopic from Ash Avildsen (son of Rocky director John G Avildsen). Burke was the first million dollar female athlete, winning world championships in the 1930s and 40s at a time when women’s wrestling was illegal in many states. Josh Lucas is Billy Wolfe, the promoter who knows a goldmine when he sees one.

Writer-director Avildsen delivers the tale with an appropriate throwback, slambang style, full of grandstanding speeches and pounding action. But that’s not to say the movie’s themes — about gender, prejudice, and sport — aren’t timely. And Rickards, she’s a knockout.

Apr 4: In conversation with lead actor Emily Bett Rickards and director Ash Avildsen

Rickards is a star in every classical sense, a Golden Age of Hollywood spitfire, dominating the screen with forceful line deliveries and a disarming smile. As Burke, she also displays a powerful physicality, convincingly beating her co-stars senseless and repeatedly flashing her muscles — a display of sensuality for her prospective wrestling investors, but more importantly a display of her own personal pride.

William Bibiani, The Wrap

Hugely entertaining… Rickards, who handles the intense physical and emotional demands of her role with consummate skill, gives the film its heart and soul.

Frank Scheck, Hollywood Reporter