So it's on me...

Rating: 8/10 (18 March 2008)

"Never Back Down" is cheesy, but it gets a pass for capturing the paradox of martial artsalbeit clumsily. Director Jeff Wadlow and Writer Chris Hauty's "Never Back Down" is set in the world of mixed martial arts, perhaps its solely inventive aspect. The movie is derivative of "The Karate Kid" and "Rocky". Sean Faris, who looks like Tom Cruise-- only tall and much younger, plays Jake Tyler, who is also the classic Cruise character: the brooding loner with an incomplete relationship with his dead father. In "Never Back Down" inspired by the presence of Djimon Hounsou's Jean Roqua and Faris's Jake, one trains very hard so that one never has to fight. But when one has to fight or take a stand, it's about honor-- not revenge or pride. Roqua reminds Jake, "It's your responsibility to control the outcome" An eloquent interpretation is: You must be at cause in the matter. "Never Back Down" is shamelessly pedantic at times. Then again what is often trite has a familiar resonance. Roqua tells Jake, in whom he sees greatness and great anger, "Everyone's got their fight." That fight may be against a powerful opponent or against oneself. Therein lies the characters' catharsis, and Hounsou and Faris are very strong. The mixed martial arts are flashy and bloody, and the romance is a formulaic afterthought. That being said, "Never Back Down" gets it right for honor and family.
We first see Jake (Faris) as the devastating Iowa high school linebacker, who literally takes out five other players when one of the opposing team players taunts him about his father's death. Jake's football career ends. Jake, his brother Charlie (Wyatt Smith) and their mom Margot (strong Leslie Hope) move to Florida. Charlie has a scholarship at a Florida tennis academy. Apparently, Jake has been in persistent trouble since his father's death, and something remains unresolved. During the move, Jake stores his Dad's belongings in a box labeled "Useless Junk". Margot is at a loss for what to do with Jake. She too may hold him responsible for his father's death.
In English class Jake rescues beautiful Baja (Amber Heard), by pointing out that the shield of Achilles in "The Iliad" represents the alternative to war. Okay, this is little heavy handed on Writer Hauty's part. Baja invites Jake to a party. Jake smitten by her, accepts. However, this is a set up. Jake's football brawl on YouTube made him a celebrity, and also a target for Baja's boyfriend Ryan McCarthy (arrogant and totally ripped Cam Gigandet). Ryan is a rich kid and an expert mixed martial artist. Although he is all heart, Jake gets his ass kicked convincingly. However, his spirit attracts the attention of Max (geeky Evan Peters). Max tells Jake that he should train with his mixed martial arts instructor Jean Roqua (Hounsou), who learned from the Gracies' in Brazil. Reluctantly, Jake begins training. Roqua sees the great anger in Jake, but he also sees a great young man that will emerge. For Roqua it is all about training, discipline, and character. His rule is: You fight outside; you don't come back. Predictably, treachery and tragedy arise and Jake must choose his path in the realm of an underground mixed martial arts tournament. Jake comes to the realization, "So it's on me?" And it always has.
The major weakness of the movie is Amber Heard as Baja. Heard is very pretty and charming. However, her Baja is reprehensible. This is more a failing of Hauty. Baja may have been Ryan's pawn, but she still initially set Jake up. Clearly, she could have figured the consequences given what an arrogant jerk Ryan isshe is not stupid by a long shot. Baja is only forgiven, because Jake mans up and accepts responsibility for that particular outcome. Otherwise, the other performances are solid. Gigandet is a surprise, particularly at the end. He is charismatic and cocky, but is no coward underneath it all. Hounsou is powerful and compassionate as mentor Roqua. Sean Faris has star presence. He is a great looking actor with amazing intensity. He has also displays a wry sense of humor, and a natural vulnerability.
"Never Back Down" is cheesy, predictable, and derivative. It also has some amazing mixed marital arts action, and strong performances. "Never Back Down" really surprises with its story of honor and courage. Take a chance on "Never Back Down".