NEVER BACK DOWN (2008) *** review capsule by COOP

Posted on June 8th, 2008

I can imagine the pitch for this. Some writer walks into a producers office and says, “Let’s redo ‘Karate Kid’ with some excessively attractive stars, current pop music and set it in the ultra-popular world of mixed martial arts (MMA)!”

Jake (Sean Faris), a tough-yet-honorable kid with a troubled past, moves to Orlando with his mom and brother. On the first day at his new school, he meets the gorgeous Baja (Amber Heard) who invites him to a party. Turns out Baja’s boyfriend, Ryan (Cam Gigandet), is hosting the party and he knows Jake’s reputation for brawling. Ryan, a bully and the best fighter in town, challenges Jake and beats him to a pulp. Humiliated, Jake enlists the aid of Mr. Miyagi… I mean Jean Roqua (Djimon Hounsou), a haunted former champion. Jean disapproves of street fighting but sees talent in Jake and agrees to train him in MMA. The rest of the film continues to mirror “The Karate Kid,” leading up to the obligatory tournament in the end.

Yeah, it’s a trashy remake but it satisfies all the rules of a 1980’s teen movie, which gives it a nostalgic flavor for me and anyone else who grew up with those films. Using MMA as the backdrop was a stroke of genius considering the sport now surpasses boxing in popularity. The hero and villain of the story seem believable as tough guys in the ring, but I’d like to see those skinny, pretty boys go up against the likes of Kimbo Slice. Now THAT would be a movie. A very short one.

I enjoyed “Never Back Down” as a time-waster. It has no substance, but it does have enough testosterone-laden aggression to satisfy an action fan.

Amber Heard should start looking into choosing better roles. The advance word on her performance in the upcoming and long delayed horror release, “All the Boys Love Mandy Lane,” have been stellar. Hopefully she won’t waste her time playing bimbos in every teen film that comes across her path.

“Never Back Down” arrives on DVD and Blu Ray, July 29. Trailer below…