An enjoyable, but totally ridiculous film.

Rating: 6/10 (13 January 2013)

Being a former educator, I am kind of a sucker for movies where teacher's defy the odds and do great things for the betterment of their students. Though this film is no "Stand and Deliver" or "Lean on Me", I have to admit that I did get a little choked up at the film's climax as Kevin James (Scott Voss) is entering the arena while the students (and the music department) are playing his theme song First and foremost I have to preface this review with the statement that the premise of this film is totally ridiculous, and that the Scott Voss (Kevin James) character would have been brutalized in the film's climax if this were real life. That said, I still enjoyed this film.
Kevin James stars is this film as Scott Voss, a once inspired teacher who has been beaten down by all the bureaucracy of the education system. When Marty Streb's (played wonderfully by Henry Winkler) position as music director is put on the chopping block due to school budget cuts, Voss (James) steps up to help his friend raise the $48,000 needed to keep Streb's job. While teaching a US citizenship course, Voss meets up with a former MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) fighter / gym instructor Niko (played by Bas Rutten). Voss soon realizes there is big money to be made in the MMA octagon (even by losing), and coerces Niko to train him in exchange for private citizenship tutoring secessions. Bas Rutten (Niko), a three-time UFC Champion / Dutch MMA fighter / Karate and Taekwondo blackbelt, is the film's true gem; a very likable character, and the film's most delightful personality on screen.
Again the premise of this film is absolutely ludicrous; however, keeping it within the realm of the 'losing aspect' you can deem it somewhat plausible. As the film progresses, Voss starts to gain the respect of his students and his zest for teaching is reignited. As the Voss character continues to grow in popularity, the 'teacher turned fighter' gains some national attention (much like Rocky), and Voss is offered $10K to fight an undercard battle against real life Polish MMA fighter turned actor/stuntman, Krzysztof Soszynski.
If you are looking for a really nice enjoyable, light-hearted film with a highly improbable outcome, then this is the film for you. I actually believe the 'Red Dawn' premise of North Korean's landing in Spokane, Washington may probably be more likely to happen; I did find this film mildly amusing and delightfully pleasing. So I am recommending this comical farce on its uplifting theme; and not its preposterous likelihood of occurring. Therefore check your minds at the doors prior to renting this tale of good intentions; then sit back, relax, and enjoy the comical genius of Kevin James.
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