'Never Back Down' movie review
by Adam Wagner on Mar 12, 2008 5:56 PM EDT
77 comments
I'm warning you all now: Slowly Back Down ... the aisle, maniacs.
Last night I had the opportunity to attend a press screening of the MMA flick "Never Back Down," which opens nationwide this Friday, March 14. Touch of the gloves to Austin O'Connor over at SteelSkins who provided me with the passes.
Let's get right to it: This movie is abysmally derivative. It's so formulaic and predictable, you'll swear you wrote it!
And I also expect it to be a huuuuuuge hit thanks to the buying power of teenage girls (okay, and boys).
The plot is simple: A rebellious student at a new high school is lured into a world of underground fighting. Horribly embarrassed in front of the entire school, he seeks out a mentor in mixed martial arts to find his revenge.
Unintentional hilarity ensues.
Written by Chris Hauty — the mastermind who brought you his tour de force "Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco" — and directed by Jeff Wadlow — the "triple threat" director/writer/actor who you might recognize as "Next Guy in Line #1" from "Pearl Harbor" (no, I'm not joking) — Never Back Down steals from every action movie aimed at teenagers ever made.
If you're a fan of the Fast & the Furious franchise, the Karate Kid franchise, Top Gun, or any movie starring Dolph Lundgren, by Zeus, rush out and see this movie.
Die-hard fans of MMA, which at this point I'm assuming we all are, will likely hate this film. It too often attempts to serve as an introduction to the sport for moviegoers, rather than being a movie for knowledgeable MMA fans.
For example, during training the novice hero rushes in to engage and repeatedly gets caught in submissions. With each submission, the sensei calls out "Armbar!"; or "Triangle choke!"; or "Leg lock!" Die-hard fans need no introduction to these moves and will therefore find these scenes laughable.
But teenage girls who lust after guys with no shirts, and teenage boys who want to be those guys with no shirts, will certainly make this film this weekend's box office sensation. Mark my unfortunate words.
Even the audience last night — who occasionally laughed at the movie (I even heard a few "Gay!" comments) — ended up applauding at the movie's climax. I felt like I was at a "Rocky" premiere in Philly. Only with rich white kids.
You might argue that that's because the average moviegoer is dumb ... and I won't stop you.
I imagine the pre-production meeting went something like this:
We need our hero to be a quick-tempered teenager who gets embarrassed by the school's bad-ass bully and is forced to train in MMA to redeem himself ... kinda like Karate Kid!
Check.
We need our bully to be a rich, bronzed pretty boy who throws parties so elaborate for a high school teenager that even P. Diddy would say, "Damn, I wish I was invited to that party!"
Check.
We need a love triangle that puts the bully's girlfriend smack dab in the middle of things, just like ... every movie!
Check.
We need a goofy, sincere sidekick to serve as comic relief.
Check.
We need a stoic sensei preferably played by a foreigner with an accent.
Check.
Now let's call it Karate Kid Part V: Daniel-san Gets a Ground Game. Is that taken?
Not surprisingly, the story misses numerous opportunities to develop any depth of character and instead relies on storyboard clichés and stereotypes.
Depending on your age or your interest in teenage pop culture, you may or may not recognize some of these stereotypes, er, faces. The hero, Jake Tyler, is played by Sean Faris, who's mostly played bit parts in a few low-end television dramas. Perhaps fittingly, Faris seems to be a graduate of the Tom Cruise School of Acting.
The bully, Ryan McDonald, is played by Cam Gigandet, probably best known for his stints as Kevin Volchok on "The O.C." and as some schmuck on the "Young and the Restless." Even better, Gigandet is an obvious graduate of the Brad Pitt School of Acting.
Who will win? The Tom Cruise wannabe or the Brad Pitt wannabe? For those of you playing at home, start the drinking games now! Every time you see an obvious steal from a Cruise or Pitt movie, you know what to do.
There are of course a few other faces. The love interest, Baja, as she's called, is played by Amber Heard. Her backstory is that she was rescued from the depths of geekdom by Ryan when she first moved to the school. But now that Jake is here, she relates more to him.
Thus, the triangle.
The goofy sidekick, Max, is played by Evan Peters, who does a decent enough job, albeit for a clichéd part. Prior to this disaster, Peters played Jesse Varon on the short-lived television drama "Invasion."
Aside from Peters, the only other actor I recognized is Djimon Hounsou ("Blood Diamond," "Constantine," "Gladiator," "Amistad"), who plays Jean Roqua, the sensei who operates the gym out of which he also lives. Roqua tries to impart on Jake the usual bit of Dojo knowledge: the importance of breathing, never take a fight outside of the gym, etc.
All criticisms aside, the fight choreography was pretty decent, compared to a lot of fight films. I've read that both Faris and Gigandet trained six hours a day, six days a week for three months to prepare for this film, which seems about right given their performances.
The camera work wasn't bad either, although I don't anticipate that being a selling point for this film's intended audience. There's a few point-of-view shots during some fight sequences that are reportedly from "lipstick cameras" incorporated by Wadlow, the director. They aren't great, but they aren't overused either.
We all know this film is going to be used as a marketing gimmick for MMA, so we might as well get used to it now. In fact, in leaving the theater, I was handed a flyer for One Spirit Martial Arts Combat Training Center by two teenage students of the Gracie/BJJ gym.
I hadn't heard of it, but UFC/PRIDE/Bodog/IFL veteran Aaron Riley (23-10-1), who last fought at the IFL 2007 Team Championship Finale in September 2007, is a full-time instructor there. It even offers free lessons to beginners. Not a bad deal for Northern Virginians, and the two students were actually pretty cool (and unimpressed with most of the movie's fight sequences).
Alas, there are smart teenagers out there after all.
At the end of the day, I see this movie doing quite well at the box office and will probably spark two sequels. Hopefully one with Billy "Sweep the leg, Johnny!" Zabka.
We can dream, can't we?
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Big surprise. The trailers looked like they were basically bringing ‘Karate Kid’ into the 21st century.
by Nine Duce on Mar 12, 2008 5:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Everone text this number with every possible thing you have.
520-560-8340
by mikeclem on Mar 12, 2008 6:20 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
When I first saw the opening images of the preview for this film I asked my girlfriend, “is this ANOTHER ‘You got served’ ripoff?”
No. It’s the “dance-off” genre rolled over to MMA via, as you point out, karate kid, etc.
Great review, btw.
by Clayton on Mar 12, 2008 6:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
this movie blows monkey for quarters nuff said .
by deadgrr on Mar 12, 2008 6:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Holy sweet jesus… can’t get pumped up enough for this movie. I’ll be at the midnight showing…. YEAAAHHH!!!!
by Mikey Gilz on Mar 12, 2008 6:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Everone text this number with every possible thing you have.
520-560-8340
What number is this? a girlfriend who left you?
by Crazy on Mar 12, 2008 6:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Hahaha I knew it, this movie is going to suck
by Nos on Mar 12, 2008 6:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
yeah. this movie sucks ass. good review.
by mexican dude on Mar 12, 2008 6:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I actually think that the pre-production checklist was more like: “hey, do you guys think we can do a movie about that stupid sherdog commercial, Yeah sounds like a plan”
“oh my god, Billy stole my girlfriend again, whah whah wah…”
by Diablo on Mar 12, 2008 6:33 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Im stuck.
First off, im a true mma fan…from day 1. I want mma to become popular worldwide, so this movie is kinda helping. On the otherhand, i dont want mma to become popular just because its “the cool thing”. I dont want stupid drunk fans who boo whenever it hits the ground.
Im sick of those stupid highschool popular kid vs. new kid storylines. First off, they get 25yr old Abercrombie models to play the roles, and they throw huge parties (as mania mentioned). Its so unrealistic – thats not highschool (thats another topic). But now this “genre” is infiltrating MMA, my baby. I say fuck u. I’d rather mma have fewer true fans than many fake fans (who call mma “ufc”)…but its a business and thats the bottom line.
by stryker on Mar 12, 2008 6:35 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I about vomited when I saw the trailers for this movie…I think if I had to watch it I might go thru seizures…what a joke…Hollywood just trying to cash in on the latest thing that has America’s attention….sad really…I am sure it was wrote by douche bags who really know nothing at all about the art of MMA
by DaGrizzlyBear on Mar 12, 2008 6:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Negative, ghost rider.
How can you lump karate kid and top gun in with this movie?
And i honestly thought it was Kongo, not the guy from Gladiator when I saw the first preview.
It’s too bad they couldn’t have been brazen and made a movie that wasn’t featured around the high school setting.
It’d be a bit more believable if it was like Karate Kid with a tournament style (maybe even throw in a Dana White cameo where he’s like “I hate tournaments.”)climax..
This movie is obviously a product of writer strike and cashing in on “That crazy new UFC thing.”
Overall I’d give it a 1/5, and the 1 is just for the effort the actors went into actually understanding the art itself and training for their roles.
by DirtyML on Mar 12, 2008 6:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
this movie looks like something i might watch at 2 am when there is nothing else on cable TV.but there is no way i would pay to see this in theater, or even rent it for that matter.
by the levi on Mar 12, 2008 6:49 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
looks gay, sadly ill end up seeing it sometime or another…
by JIZZO on Mar 12, 2008 6:50 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
“Faris seems to be a graduate of the Tom Cruise School of Acting”
looks like a second rate clone of him anyway
by aa on Mar 12, 2008 6:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Mania why do you keep posting clips of this poor ass movie? No one who visits this site really gives a shit about this flick. PLEASE STOP and let this movie fade from our minds…for the love of God!
by mac daddy on Mar 12, 2008 6:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
NO……WAY……I’m totally gonna see this.
by The Anomaly on Mar 12, 2008 7:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
ru kidding me this movie really does suck ass, but does bring in a lot of business that’s all it is…
by mma fan on Aug 9, 2008 2:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Swear anyone is surprised? If you couldn’t tell exactly how the movie would be based on the trailers you are a complete fool.
by GregC on Mar 12, 2008 7:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
i stoped reading after i saw 4 words in a row i did not understand, but ya overall looks gaaaaaaaaaaay
by keystone on Mar 12, 2008 7:42 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Everone text this number with every possible thing you have.
520-560-8340
why?
by jdawg on Mar 12, 2008 7:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
mania, you shouldn’t allow ppl to post phone numbers here. If there is anything to censor, this should be it.
by linx on Mar 12, 2008 8:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
karate kid good. one of my faves as a kid! . this movie doesnt even start off on the right foot starting with the movie name. Please delete this movie review and put real MMA stuff instead LOL.
by blah on Mar 12, 2008 8:40 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Mania why do you keep posting clips of this poor ass movie? No one who visits this site really gives a shit about this flick. PLEASE STOP and let this movie fade from our minds…for the love of God!
Because if he posts enough clips, eventually the whole movie will be on here, and you can save yourself $8 plus the cost of popcorn and a coke.
by PW on Mar 12, 2008 8:45 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
You could tell this movie blows just from the trailer! You don’t need to spend $8 to figure that out!
by Ray on Mar 12, 2008 9:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Because if he posts enough clips, eventually the whole movie will be on here, and you can save yourself $8 plus the cost of popcorn and a coke.
Bingo
by RiveHorror on Mar 12, 2008 9:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Im stuck.
First off, im a true mma fan…from day 1. I want mma to become popular worldwide, so this movie is kinda helping. On the otherhand, i dont want mma to become popular just because its “the cool thing”. I dont want stupid drunk fans who boo whenever it hits the ground.
Im sick of those stupid highschool popular kid vs. new kid storylines. First off, they get 25yr old Abercrombie models to play the roles, and they throw huge parties (as mania mentioned). Its so unrealistic – thats not highschool (thats another topic). But now this “genre” is infiltrating MMA, my baby. I say fuck u. I’d rather mma have fewer true fans than many fake fans (who call mma “ufc”)…but its a business and thats the bottom line.
It really doesn’t matter who becomes fans of the sport and what they do with it and what kind of movies or shows they make about it as long as the rules don’t change and they start doing tag teams and sh%t then the fights can only get better and the competitiotn and true fans that appreciate it will benefit the most. fans like us don’t actually own the sport so don’t worry when outside companies try to gay it up with movies like this. It’s still good for true fans in the long run I mean did talledega nights make rednecks like nascar less? (funny ass movie)
by damon on Mar 12, 2008 10:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Because if he posts enough clips, eventually the whole movie will be on here, and you can save yourself $8 plus the cost of popcorn and a coke.
why don’t you just save yourself 2 hours and not watch it?
by damon on Mar 12, 2008 10:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Five minutes ago I would have been saying that I would have watched this movie when it’s free. After this review, I think I’ll avoid it all together. lol
by Toms Bombs on Mar 12, 2008 10:29 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I wasn’t planning on it wasting my $10. I hate even seeing the trailor. My husband thinks it’s funny and jokes about us going to see it and I just get pissed off ’til the next commercial.
by Sula on Mar 12, 2008 10:33 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Adam,
That was a superbly written review. Where else can we read you?
by TeamPriapism on Mar 12, 2008 11:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Watch out for Rob Emerson and his gang of rich kids hanging around your local movie theatre lol… what a joke
by brendan on Mar 12, 2008 11:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Wow, we figured out that movies geared towards teenagers are formulaic. Maybe we can break the news that professional wrestling is faked, too. The possibilities are truly endless given how scathing and important this vanguard is.
by Lunchbox on Mar 12, 2008 11:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Karate Kid V: Daniel- san get a ground gae is the funniest thing I read all day…………..Movie voice guy: “Daniel is Bac and this time the Crane kick is a flying Gator Choke”.
by MMA_MIND on Mar 12, 2008 11:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I had the opportunity to see this movie and lets just say, it made me want to eat my own soul!!!
by javster on Mar 13, 2008 12:27 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
If it is anything like Only The Strong, we may at least get a catchy new song from the movie. Banna naaa wayyyy
by naturalshadow on Mar 13, 2008 12:29 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
gay,gay,fag,gay,
come on guys can we come up with something derogitory other than hate slurs
christ…..
makes you sound unintellegent, or immature or perhaps a mixture of both.
this movie does look really,really poor. Cliche, after clliche after cliche,I don’t even think i’ll watch the dvd.
Even on netflix it isn’t worth it.
by creagach on Mar 13, 2008 3:52 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Its not like Cinderella Man material ..Give me a freakin break…Do they think MMA fans are just idiots..???
by chrisTX on Mar 13, 2008 4:21 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I think it is a remake, the only difference is that in the originaly movie it culminates in the All Valley Karate Tornament, and this one ends in an Underground MMA match. The remakes always suck balls…GET this movie A BODY BAG, BITCH!!!!
by Da Monkey on Mar 13, 2008 6:04 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Watch out for Rob Emerson and his gang of rich kids hanging around your local movie theatre lol… what a joke
priceless
by Fred on Mar 13, 2008 6:17 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Loving the hate for this movie!!
Its just a movie, any one with half a brain will know MMA isn’t really like this. Its been made to make money and exploite the fastest growing sport in the world.
by UKmmaBOY on Mar 13, 2008 6:28 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Adam..the pre-production meeting part.. " classic "..LMAO.
by PhilQNY on Mar 13, 2008 7:31 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
If it is anything like Only The Strong, we may at least get a catchy new song from the movie. Banna naaa wayyyy
I am sad to say that I enjoyed only the strong when it came out, I thought it was a cool movie. but than again, I was somewhere around 13. I’m guessing it’s the same demographic of viewers that will watch this one.
by linx on Mar 13, 2008 8:46 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Loving the hate for this movie!!
Its just a movie, any one with half a brain will know MMA isn’t really like this. Its been made to make money and exploite the fastest growing sport in the world.
The problem is most moviegoers don’t have half a brain. They’re little teenage boys and girls who actually believe kids like in this movie really exist and one day they can be one of them. It’s pathetic. Almost as pathetic as the fact that this movie will probably debut at #1. Then every kid will think these high flying Capoeira style kicks really work in a fight.
by Getrawbc on Mar 13, 2008 8:46 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
What number is this? a girlfriend who left you?
na this did i work with, and i made the mistake of giving him my # and he calls me at like 4am every fn day
by mikeclem on Mar 13, 2008 8:48 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
‘Gay’ does not = stupid
Grow up. If something is stupid, use the word ‘stupid’.
by A Lynch on Mar 13, 2008 9:07 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
After Karate Kid, the next best Karate movie Ever was “Best of the Best part I”
by john on Mar 13, 2008 9:45 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
After Karate Kid, the next best Karate movie Ever was “Best of the Best part I”
by marcbjr2 on Mar 13, 2008 10:11 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
After Karate Kid, the next best Karate movie Ever was “Best of the Best part I”
I agree. I caught it on HBO years ago and thought it was great.
by marcbjr2 on Mar 13, 2008 10:12 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
After Karate Kid, the next best Karate movie Ever was “Best of the Best part I”
YES!!!! YES!!!! YES!!!! BEST TKD FLICK.
by PhilQNY on Mar 13, 2008 10:13 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
YES!!!! YES!!!! YES!!!! BEST TKD FLICK.
The Korean Team running shirtless in the snow..The fight scenes were crazy..
1. Karate Kid
2. Rudy
3. Rocky 1 – 4
4. Best of the Best 1
5. Braveheart
6. Rambo 1 & 2
7. DieHard
8 T 1 & T 2
9. He-man (Ivan Drago version)
10. BloodSport
To name some Classics. John..we’re getting old man.
by PhilQNY on Mar 13, 2008 10:21 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
YES!!!! YES!!!! YES!!!! BEST TKD FLICK.
I got the DVD stashed away somewhere. I might have to blaze later and throw it on! thats a really good movie, I loved that movie growing up! Erik Roberts: “Pop It, Pop it, Tommy Pop It….arrrrrrrrrrrggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhh!”
Great movie!
by john on Mar 13, 2008 10:31 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I got the DVD stashed away somewhere. I might have to blaze later and throw it on! thats a really good movie, I loved that movie growing up! Erik Roberts: “Pop It, Pop it, Tommy Pop It….arrrrrrrrrrrggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhh!”
Great movie!
my all time greatest is, unfortunately, the quest LOL. but I don’t think this falls under the category of karate flick, but best cheesy martial art film in my mind.
by linx on Mar 13, 2008 10:49 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Adam,
That was a superbly written review. Where else can we read you?
TeamPriapism,
Thanks man. I appreciate it. I try to give 100 percent of my attention to MMAmania. Where else would I be?! hahaha.
by wagnerav on Mar 13, 2008 11:12 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
‘Gay’ does not = stupid
Grow up. If something is stupid, use the word ‘stupid’.
dude that comment was just gaaaaay, and by gaaaaay i mean gay
by keystone on Mar 13, 2008 11:45 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
The Korean Team running shirtless in the snow..The fight scenes were crazy..
1. Karate Kid
2. Rudy
3. Rocky 1 – 4
4. Best of the Best 1
5. Braveheart
6. Rambo 1 & 2
7. DieHard
8 T 1 & T 2
9. He-man (Ivan Drago version)
10. BloodSport
To name some Classics. John..we’re getting old man.
HOLD THE PHONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
HOW DID YOU NOT PUT THE FIRST MMA MOVIE,AND ALSO IT WAS THE GREASTEST MOVIE EVER
GYMKATA
O HOW THAT ME TYPING THE NAME OF THE MOVIE MAKES ME WANT TO FIND MY VCR AND POP THE TAPE IN. IF YOU HAVEN’T SEEEN THE MOVIE PLEASE GOOGLE IT SOMETHING ILL MAKE YOU A COPY BUT THAT MOVIE IS GRRRRRRRRRRRRRREAT!: ]
by smokesuttin on Mar 13, 2008 12:03 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
The Korean Team running shirtless in the snow..The fight scenes were crazy..
1. Karate Kid
2. Rudy
3. Rocky 1 – 4
4. Best of the Best 1
5. Braveheart
6. Rambo 1 & 2
7. DieHard
8 T 1 & T 2
9. He-man (Ivan Drago version)
10. BloodSport
To name some Classics. John..we’re getting old man.
I know man. They just dont make movie’s like they used to!
Worst martial arts flick ever?
My vote has to go to SIDEKICK, that crappy Chuck Norris and Brandon blue eyes, or whatever the hell is name is!
by john on Mar 13, 2008 12:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
HOLD THE PHONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
HOW DID YOU NOT PUT THE FIRST MMA MOVIE,AND ALSO IT WAS THE GREASTEST MOVIE EVER
GYMKATAO HOW THAT ME TYPING THE NAME OF THE MOVIE MAKES ME WANT TO FIND MY VCR AND POP THE TAPE IN. IF YOU HAVEN’T SEEEN THE MOVIE PLEASE GOOGLE IT SOMETHING ILL MAKE YOU A COPY BUT THAT MOVIE IS GRRRRRRRRRRRRRREAT!: ]
This is first I’ve heard of it. Googlin it.
by PhilQNY on Mar 13, 2008 12:41 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
The Korean Team running shirtless in the snow..The fight scenes were crazy..
1. Karate Kid
2. Rudy
3. Rocky 1 – 4
4. Best of the Best 1
5. Braveheart
6. Rambo 1 & 2
7. DieHard
8 T 1 & T 2
9. He-man (Ivan Drago version)
10. BloodSport
To name some Classics. John..we’re getting old man.
Don’t forget Road House. Great MMA action right up to the point where Dalton realistically rips Jimmy’s throat out. Also had some sweet tunes from the late, great Jeff Healey, some nice toplessness from a Penthouse Pet and the feature film debut of old school professional wrestling superstar Terry Funk.
by PW on Mar 13, 2008 1:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Nice review…I decided I wasnt going to watch this movie once I saw the trailor with this little diddy in it… “IM Always ANGRY, the only time Im not angry, is when Im with you!!” Did some of the fight seens look like they were using ropes ala Jet Li, becuase that was impression I got, with some flying punches??
by mma dude on Mar 13, 2008 1:40 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
All-time great martial arts movies….and no mention of Enter The Dragon.
By the way, I believe all the kids have official left the comments section of this article. I’m looking at some of these titles and finally see people in my age bracket!
by Jeff on Mar 13, 2008 2:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I know man. They just dont make movie’s like they used to!
Worst martial arts flick ever?
My vote has to go to SIDEKICK, that crappy Chuck Norris and Brandon blue eyes, or whatever the hell is name is!
I didn’t care much for the movie, but its Chuck Norris. I bought like 40 copies and gave them out as Christmas gifts just out of pure respect for Chuck.
by James S on Mar 13, 2008 2:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
gay,gay,fag,gay,
come on guys can we come up with something derogitory other than hate slurs
christ…..
makes you sound unintellegent, or immature or perhaps a mixture of both.
this movie does look really,really poor. Cliche, after clliche after cliche,I don’t even think i’ll watch the dvd.
Even on netflix it isn’t worth it.
I second that, show your intelligence. MMA fans are better than that!
by I heart Bas Rutten on Mar 13, 2008 3:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
haha u give them a shitty review and they pay u to advertise on there site. is that how it works.
by keystone on Mar 13, 2008 8:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Its just a movie, any one with half a brain will know MMA isn’t really like this. Its been made to make money and exploite the fastest growing sport in the world.
Exactly, who watched Rocky and expected to see pro boxers trade direct punches to the head in real life?
Everyone needs to lighten up. Yeah, people will think this what MMA is like. And who cares? They will go to an actually event and maybe end up loving the real thing.
Stop being so “holier than thou”; don’t be self-righteous; go watch the movie for heaven’s sake. IT’S A MOVIE. Sheesh…how many movies do you ever watch that look like real life?
by JB on Mar 13, 2008 9:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Nice review…I decided I wasnt going to watch this movie once I saw the trailor with this little diddy in it… “IM Always ANGRY, the only time Im not angry, is when Im with you!!” Did some of the fight seens look like they were using ropes ala Jet Li, becuase that was impression I got, with some flying punches??
mma dude,
No ropes, as far as I could tell. to be honest, the fight choreography wasn’t too shabby. nothing like seeing the real thing, of course, but not terrible either. it was everything in between the fighting that was awful.
by wagnerav on Mar 14, 2008 11:00 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
You sound severely jaded about this. It’s a movie. Entertainment for the masses. It’s not made to suit your individual requirements of what is “realistic” for the given subject matter.
It is Karate Kid for the modern day kid. And ironically….how many of us loved Karate Kid? I know I did. Just accept it for what it is… And get the fuck off your high horse before someone knocks your ass off it. I thought the movie was campy and cheesy…just like I thought Karate Kid was campy and cheesy. But even I can accept it for what it is, cheap pop corn thrills, kinda like…oh I don’t know….90% of the stuff that makes it to the majority of theaters. You don’t see Sundance films getting the exposure that stuff like this gets because it doesn’t really appeal to the mass market. So really…get over yourself.
by Jaded much? on Mar 16, 2008 1:06 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
wowowow this movies like a joke to mixed martial arts
by alex on Mar 18, 2008 12:30 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
They are getting MMA out there. Who cares if the movie isn’t great. It has some good fight scenes. Hot girls. And it is more exciting action. Not just sitting on your back and kicking someone for 3 minutes. I don’t give it a great review, but if you like action, fighting, or mixed martial arts I would say see it once. Also, check out other reviews, this dude obviously was against this movie from the get go. Just my opinion, so see the movie first, then you can form your own.
by Hunter on Mar 20, 2008 10:41 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I saw the movie and loved it… Faris is fuckin hott and an amazing actor…sure r high schools arent like this but still its just a movieee
by LExis on Jul 31, 2008 8:40 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
ru kidding me this movie really sucks, but it brings in a lot of business, that’s all it is….
by jamie on Aug 9, 2008 2:38 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
It was a movie.
The average american movie marketed to teens is formulaic.
Its just taking advantage of psychology.
And whats wrong with it being used to get people interested in MMA?
I mean the guys had amazing physiques and good athleticism.
And the integral lesson was to train hard and master your self.
MMA is a respectable franchise. Brutal, full of skilled fighters, enjoyable to watch but it is still a franchise.
I wonder how many MMA’ers would do a fight club type situations for no pay. No weight classes, no referees, no caged walls, only a open space in nature with trees to compare your skills to whoevers name you pick out of a hat.
I did it for about ten years starting off until I got a couple of jobs that did not leave me much flexible time.
I just added that to say that one can always have a bad opinion of anything, but whats the point when it does not really harm anyone?
And the way I see it, like american idol, ‘Never Back Down’ will probably help expand the UFC franchose because a lot of younger guys are going to join and watch because of it.
By the way, our country is a parody and a creation of false reality. which actually has affected us all in a bad way.
by Human to God on Oct 16, 2008 6:29 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Wow are even half of you really in MMA or the person who wrote this are you in MMA? Well dont talk crap if you cant even baack it up….. Im in MMA and i think Never Back Down is the best movie i have ever seen!!!!
by Cody Sherman on Jun 14, 2009 7:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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