Rama’s SCREEN

NEVER BACK DOWN isn’t bad at all. The movie’s trailer and marketing strategy haven’t done this movie justice but once you see it, you’ll find out that it’s actually more than just a fight movie. When I saw the footage a while ago, I thought what in the world was… Oscar nominee Djimon Honsou doing in a teen flick like this. But his presence is what gives heart to the story. The main character is still the focus of attention but he wouldn’t be able to hold the movie together by himself. Djimon who plays a Miyagi-like character does help a lot.

Jake Tyler has to move with his mother and his brother to a new life in Orlando, Florida, leaving behind the haunting part of his father’s death, which has become a reason for people to mock him. In his new school, he discovers a new fight fad that he knows little about. Driven by the crush he has on the most popular girl, he’s willing to take lesson and master the skills in order to take down the most ruthless bully in town.

I never liked Ultimate Fighting. I think their fighting style is too messy and often times it looks like two dudes are on top of each other and you wonder if they’re fighting or they’re making out, which is the disturbing part of watching ultimate fighting.
But NEVER BACK DOWN does an excellent job of making it interesting. The fight choreography is so well done, you can’t help but to be impressed by each move or stance and each kick to the face.

As far as acting goes, actor Sean Faris who plays the main role reminds you a lot of Tom Cruise back when he was young. Picture Tom Cruise in The Color of Money, where he was full of youth and rage.
Sean Faris looks like Tom’s long lost son or his exact clone but a taller version.
Just like any typical high school movie, this one also got a bully, a sidekick who’s there more as a comic relief, and a girl who becomes a reason for the hero to fight. Typical.

But what makes this movie different than any other fight movies that try to blend in dramatic elements is that this one doesn’t motivate you to be all calm, one with nature or revenge will bring nothing but grief… none of that stuff.
It’s more about fighting the necessary fight so you don’t have to fight anymore.
Overall, if you like action movie, then you’ll find NEVER BACK DOWN very entertaining.

* Place the cursor on the image below to check my grade for this film