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.
Click here to order.
No comments:
Post a Comment