Never Back Down Review

Synopsis: Set against the action-packed world of Mixed Martial Arts, NEVER BACK DOWN is the story of Jake Tyler, a tough kid who leads with his fists, and, often, with his heart. Jake Tyler, played by Sean Faris, is the new kid in town with a troubled past. He has recently moved to Orlando, Florida with his family who has relocated to support his younger brothers shot at a professional tennis career. Jake was a star athlete on the football team at home, but in this new city he is an outsider with a reputation for being a quick tempered brawler. Making an attempt to fit in, at the invitation of a flirtatious classmate, Baja (Amber Heard), Jake goes to a party where he is unwittingly pulled into a fight with a bully named Ryan McDonald (Cam Gigandet). While he is defeated and humiliated in the fight, a classmate introduces himself to Jake and tells him about the sport known as Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). He sees a star in Jake and asks that he meet with his mentor, Jean Roqua, played by Djimon Hounsou (Blood Diamond, In America). It is immediately apparent to Jake that MMA is not street fighting, but rather an art form he wants to master. Roqua will take Jake under his wing, but it is up to Jake to find the patience, discipline, willingness and reason within him to succeed. For Jake, there is much more at stake than mere victory. His decision will not just settle a score; it will define who he is.

Other Reviews:

Ebert & Roeper: NA
Fandango: 8 Oh No, 3 No, 3 So-So, 6 Go, 6 Must Go
Rotten Tomatoes: T-Meter: 22% Rotten, Top Critics: 12% Rotten, RT Community: 52% Rotten
Yahoo Movies: Critic: C- Users: B-

My Review: I liked this movie and I recommend it. I saw this movie as a cross between Step Up and Fight Club (Well a PG-13 version). It has the same dialogue and archetypal storyline as Step Up. Both movies are based on a sub culture “sport” mix marshal arts (Never Back Down) and competitive street dancing (Step Up). This type of movie has become the new age sports film. I remember when football and basketball champs is what made you king of the school, but now underground competition champs are who rule the schools. Fight Club is one of the best fighting movies. Well, this one is no Fight Club but it has its spirit. It dose justice to mix marshal arts. It not a lame knock off of mix marshal arts but a good reputation. If you watch UFC and Pride Fighting religiously then you most like will like this movie.