Just when you think things can’t get much more bizarre, along comes Here Comes The Boom. A high school biology teacher takes up MMA in an effort to raise money to prevent extra-curricular activities from being axed at his cash strapped school. The story itself is just plain nonsense and completely unrealistic, while at the same time it wears its heart well and truly on its sleeve.
Kevin James is certainly an acquired taste for many people, but not matter what you think of the man, you have got to give him major kudos here. Not only is his performance actually quite good and likeable, but the physical side of the role here is quite the accomplishment for James. Like many of us, he enjoys his burgers, but the dude cut some serious weight for this role, which is quite physically demanding, let alone all the fight combinations that he throws around….on occasion. As I said, hand over some kudos to Mr. James here (and I never thought I’d be saying that) as it would have been very easy to pass up on something so physical.
His supporting cast are also likeable and very watchable, especially Henry Winkler who plays the “doting old man” routine far too convincingly for a man who epitomized cool,as the Fonz way back in the day. He really does steal the show. Salma Hayek brings a burning intensity and sexuality the screen. She just screams sexy everytime she makes an appearance. And there's no shortage of cameos either here, MMA style including Joe Rogan, Bruce Buffer, Mike Goldberg, Bas Rutten (who is rather brilliant throughout) and plenty more.
For a movie that revolves around MMA and climaxing in the UFC, there could be a bit more on the fighting side of things. At times theres a little bit too much meandering and pointless conversing which slows the pace down a bit too much. That said, when the action happens, it’s quite good especially the UFC based finale which gives a unique a fantastic perspective, which at times is quite dizzying. Tragically though, the fantastic finale just isn’t enough to go the distance for Here Comes The Boom. As a movie that pitches itself as comedy, there are very few laughs, let alone laugh out loud, popcorn choking moments.
At times, the performances shift gear into something that is far more suited to a feel good drama, and that’s not a bad thing, but it feels at times unsure of what it actually is. All that said, it’s that finale that does bring you to the edge of your seat and you realise who likeable James is on screen as you root for the underdog who is completely out of his league in the UFC. And while you can plenty of arguments about the realism inside the Octagon (there’s no way James’ character would have survived one minute, let alone one round) the way its shot, paced and the sheer physicality of the movie (coupled with a rather awesome soundtrack) just pulls you in.
Overall, the Boom takes far too long to arrive, but when it does, it works. It’s just a pity a lacklustre, meandering first half drags things down a bit, as this is ultimately a feel good movie that is not only entertaining but wears it’s heart well and truly on its sleeve. While it doesn’t deliver a knock out, it certainly doesn’t tap out either. Worth a watch!
