Summary
Social media sensation turned boxer, forever a troublemaker—a brief insight into this anti-hero’s career and future in boxing.
We review the 2023 Netflix documentary film Untold: Jake Paul the Problem Child, released on August 1st, 2023.
Directed by Andrew F. Renzi, this sports documentary follows the pro-boxing sensation and well-known troublemaker Jake Paul, sharing his journey from an online prankster to a professional puncher.
On Instagram, Jake Paul writes, “My life has been on display since I was 16, but my story has never been told”, so will we see more than just the celebrity showman we’re used to? Unfortunately not.
Untold: Jake Paul the Problem Child Review
Jake first rose to fame by making online videos on the beloved and missed Vine. This then led to him posting his pranks on YouTube and building an audience on social media.
In L.A., the Paul brothers landed their own Disney Channel show, Bizaardvark, and during the second season, Jake was fired for his bad behavior. Jake launched the influencer collective Team 10 in 2016 which former members have spoken about in terms of its toxic environment, and he’s recently been accused of sexual assault.
We only get small brief moments into this as it leads to why and how Jake came to boxing.
READ: Who is Nakisa Bidarian? Jake Paul’s Manager Explained
I think this documentary was made for Jake Paul’s ego and is a complete PR stunt. However, it does show that boxing is no joke; it’s dangerous, it’s intense and it is clear that Jake is trying to prove himself in this sport.
In the first half, the Paul brothers reflect on their experiences and their choices, but there is little accountability. The second half is focused on the sport of boxing, its future, and Jake’s place in the sport.
Mike Tyson says that Jake and Logan have brought Boxing back to life — especially through the fight between Jake Paul and Tommy Fury. There is a clear conflict about Jake in the sport; the authentic professionals hate his ethics and his rise to becoming a boxer, but love the attention he brings.
What does stand out in this documentary is a lot of aggression. Jake and his brother Logan made a competition between themselves and openly admitted that their relationship was very volatile for a while.
We learn about their abusive father and their toxic upbringing — there are interviews with his dad, who is a very hostile, hard character and you can tell that these brothers used the camera as an escapism.
Mixing all this together, along with money, fame, ego, pressure, and young shoulders, is a receipt for disaster.
The one authentic voice in the documentary, who I enjoyed watching, was John Fury. Direct and decent in his opinions on Jake, he describes him as someone who has “a way of getting under people’s skin.” but then shows admiration for the huge attention he brings to his fights.
It’s clear that the boxing industry needs to accept that social media has had a positive effect on the sport, and that is because of Jake Paul. Hopefully, Jake’s career in boxing continues to help him find some peace and purpose he wants and needs.
I think Jake will always be the bad guy, and if he can make millions in a sport he claims to love, through good marketing and entertaining, then good for him!
Is Untold: Jake Paul the Problem Child good or bad?
It is a good documentary from the perspective of keeping viewers interested.
In just over one hour, this documentary is filled with interviews, information, and conflict.
Is Untold: Jake Paul the Problem Child worth watching?
Yes — It’s got a good pace, it’s quick to watch, and it is an insight into how if you have good marketing, good ideas, and a ruthless determination, you can make it in sports.
What did you think of the 2023 Netflix documentary film Untold: Jake Paul the Problem Child? Comment below.
