Here Comes the Boom (02/05/2013)

Rated PG for bouts of MMA sports violence, some rude humor and language.

Starring Kevin James, Salma Hayek and Henry Winkler

Directed by Frank Coraci (Zookeeper, Click, The Waterboy)

This movie brought the BOOM and so much more!

In the comedy Here Comes the Boom, former collegiate wrester Scott Voss (Kevin James) is a 42-year-old apathetic biology teacher in a failing high school. When cutbacks threaten to cancel the music program and lay off its teacher (Henry Winkler,) Scott begins to raise money by moonlighting as a mixed martial arts fighter. Everyone thinks Scott is crazy – most of all the school nurse, Bella (Salma Hayek) – but in his quest, Scott gains something he never expected as he becomes a sensation that rallies the entire school.

I love Kevin James. I love MMA. And I loved Here Comes the Boom. Make no mistake about it, Kevin James makes this movie. His physical humor is flawless, his lines are hilarious and he plays the guy everybody loves perfectly. But besides being funny and impressively ripped, Scott Voss is a character with character. When we first meet him, he appears to have given up. Once a star wrestler and “Teacher of the Year,” he has resigned to “just getting by.” But when facing insurmountable odds, Scott rises to the challenge and inspires everyone around him. He’s a true hero.

Salma Hayek and Henry Winkler add the laughs and the heart of the film. They represent the two extremes of Scott’s life – the woman he can’t get and the guy he can’t get rid of…brilliant.

Just one question; when did Henry Winkler stop being cool? I mean this guy went from being from playing the coolest character on TV a.k.a. the Fonze to being one of the biggest nerds on screen. And he plays both perfectly.

I loved how they made the MMA fights fairly realistic. I have watched fights where there was clearly an underdog. And sometimes that underdog was beaten within an inch of his life. But every once in awhile, the underdog surprises everyone in the room. A lot like how this movie surprised me.

Here Comes the Boom is packed with laughs and punches. One moment you’re laughing your head off in the next you’re cheering on Scott like he’s Rocky. I can’t wait to see it again…It’s Worth Buying.

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
This movie shows several MMA fights that include intense punches and kicks and several times Kevin James is seen bloody and bruised. Several times the A-word is used and a couple of H-words.

Kevin James is a fantastic role model who sacrifices his body to save a co-worker’s job and the music program at his school.

So based on that, this one is fine for most preteens.

Conversation Starter

1. Why does Scott Voss decide to become an MMA fighter?


2. What did you think about Scott’s decision to sacrifice his body for Marty and the school?


3. When was the last time you sacrificed something of yours for someone else’s benefit? Tell me about it.


4. READ Hebrews 13:16
   
   Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
   
   Why do you think “such sacrifices are pleasing to God”?


5. How can you be more sacrificial this week?