What's the big deal???

Rating: 5/10 (18 March 2008)

Okay, I have to admit that before I went to see "Never Back Down," as I searched the myriad of opinions on this film, I was struck at the ranges this movie got. Some people loved it, others hated it. Then I began to notice...most of those who hated the film did so because they seem to believe the film ripped of "Karate Kid." Its easy to see that their position is certainly merited- after all, this film is about a young man who is more or less relocated against his will, and finds himself in a situation where someone who is tougher and more talented is putting a pounding on him. Of course as with any film about a 'young man,' throw in the obligatory hurdles and rewards- the pretty girl, the wise man, the single mother, the tragedy, and of course the finale in which he gets even.
Yes, that's "Karate Kid," but its not unique or even original to "Karate Kid." And even if it had been, so what- "Never Back Down" captures the teen angst angle that "Karate Kid" captured almost 25 years ago. What this film has done is essentially recreated it so that a new generation of people can connect with the story- and the recreation includes replacing what was the 'exotic' art of Karate with MMA.
Of course the quality of the two films are not identical. Djimon Hounsou is more than serviceable as the MMA master Jean Roqua- his apparent poverty and mastery of his art conceal his pain and his compassion for his new student, Jake Tyler.
I think one point however has to be made: the insinuation of every kid in Orlando being apparently connected to a mansion and having lavish liquor fueled MMA brawling house parties gets pretty irritating after a while.
But that aside, this story is what it is, and the best advice I can give people who are pondering paying to see this movie is this: if you cannot stomach watching a teen angst movie, or if "The Karate Kid" is not a movie you could appreciate in spite of its obvious limitations, then you'd be better served passing up this film.