Thursday, March 7, 2013

HERE COMES THE BOOM: A TRUE HERO



I love a feel good movie that's supposed to be based on a real life story. The only problem is when I hear that I want to know more about the actual story so that I can find out just how much is real and how much is fiction. You won't get that information here but you will get a very entertaining film if you watch HERE COMES THE BOOM.

Kevin James stars as Scott Voss, a teacher who's seen better days and for whom work is nothing more than a job to pass time. At one time Voss was a dedicated teacher and even won teacher of the year but that was ten years earlier. That time has come and gone.

Voss is the close friend of Marty Streb (Henry Winkler), the school music teacher who never lost his desire to inspire and encourage his students. As the pair head to a staff meeting, Marty tells Voss that his wife is expecting, an amazing achievement considering his age. Problems kick in when during the meeting the staff is told that due to lack of funding several departments are going to be cut next year beginning with the music department. When Voss argues against the cuts he's told that unless they can come up with the funding, $48, 000, the program is gone.

Voss calls for a meeting of teachers to find out how they can raise the funds but the only ones to show are himself, Marty and the school nurse Bella (Selma Hayek) that he has the hots for but who turns him down with each request for a date. Bella is only interested in someone who had dedication and the desire to teach and she's missed that in Voss by ten years. Other than Bella doing a bake sale, Voss' only other option is to teach a night school course in citizenship. It doesn't add up to much but it's a start.

One night Voss watches an MMA (mixed martial arts) fight with his brother and thinks he can do that. Having been a collegiate wrestler he knows he can do at least enough to survive. When one of his students, an ex MMA fighter named Niko (real MMA star Bas Rutten) tells him how much he can earn in losing a fight, Voss decides that even if he loses 30 fights over the next year he can make enough to keep the music program running. Now to keep everyone in the dark (except Marty who is helping him) about the subject.

Voss soon learns that being in an MMA bout isn't quite as easy as he expected. But with some help from his friends he begins to get better with each fight. A problem with some bad apple sauce results in the kids at school finding out about what he's trying to do and he soon gets their support as well.

Voss' training goes into gear when he gets professional help from one if Niko's friends. Not only that but the training as well as the encouragement from the students help Voss to find his passion for teaching again. He rises not only to the challenge of the ring but to that of his students as well and with that comes the chance for romance with Bella.

Of course the usual film storyline comes into play here with Voss suddenly having the opportunity to fight in a professional UFC fight where he can earn enough money to get the program funded for the next year plus. A twist in the story kicks in the night before the match and suddenly everything that has come before finds Voss doing the right thing not for himself but for those of everyone around him that he cares for.

Yes, the story line here reads like ROCKY or other sports films of this sort where the underdog has the chance to save the day. So what? The movie moves along at a steady pace and entertains along the way. It doesn't feel like there is a moment wasted but at the same time doesn't feel rushed either. What it does do is have you rooting for the little guy from start to finish and that finish will have you on the edge of your seat until the final bell rings.

The best thing in this movie though is the performances with one small exception. Hayek does a great job but her part is far too small here. She's more window dressing and supporting role than star which is sad. The amazing acting here comes from the three male stars. Kevin James looks like he got into better shape for this film and not only does he handle the comedy scenes well he actually turns in a great performance while he's at it. For me he's always been a good actor but relied too often on comedy. Here he has a chance to shine.

Having grown up with the Fonz years ago I've witnessed Winkler do some good roles and some bad ones. This movie gives him a chance to stretch as well. Unlike James he does a good job with the dramatic part his role gives him but does even better with the comedy. Alongside Winkler in Voss' corner is Bas Rutten who does an amazing job for this being his first real major role. He offers a tender character but has some hilarious moments as well.

I guess the best thing this film has going for it is that it entertains. There are a lot of movies out there these days that don't seem to do that, ones that struggle to be funny but aren't or that try to touch your heart but don't come close. This is one movie that does both. I know it's one that will find a place on my shelf which means it will be watched more than once. While we may not know the real story this was based on everyone will have a chance to root for the little guy and to enjoy the story that's told.

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