Here Comes the Boom is one of the most delightful movie surprises of this year. Kevin James stars in this movie that is a blend of Rocky, Warriors and Mr. Holland's Opus but with a lot more humor. James' performance is worth the price of admission but when you add in the wonderful supporting cast that has been assembled you get more bang for your buck than expected.
James plays Scott Voss a burned out biology teacher who is just showing up for his classes but not actually teaching anything. One day the school's principal (Greg Germann) announces that due to budgetary constraints the music program will not be carried during the next school year. This means veteran music teacher Marty Streb (Henry Winkler) will be out of a job. Voss vows to raise the money to keep the music program going.
At night Marty teaches a citizenship class and through a student named Niko (Bas Rutten) he learns about cage fighters and how much money they can earn just by showing up. Since Voss was a pretty good wrestler in his school years he decides he might be able to earn some money. Marty and Niko serve as his trainers and off he goes.
The movie is a combination of hope, humor and heart. After a somewhat slow start, the movie wins the audience over and pulls them into this story of a man with a mission. Seeing how dedicated Voss is to raising the money, and how he gains support from the people around him makes for a rousing and heartwarming film.
James is perfectly cast as Scot Voss. He has the look and the comedic talent to make this stocky teacher a reality. If you aren't with him all the way in this movie then something is wrong with your perspective on life. James makes Voss' impossible dream a patriotic one.
Movies of this type always have to have a love story as a subplot, and Boom is no exception. Voss is in pursuit of the lovely Bella (Salma Hayek), the school nurse. Their courtship scenes are endearing, as both actors lay on the charm.
Henry Winkler adds a nice touch as Marty, a befuddled man who wants only to live his life in peace and to teach his students about the wonderful world of music. Rutten has a rough and tumble charm as Niko. He brightens up every scene in which he appears.
The movie is rated PG for mixed martial arts violence.
Here Comes the Boom is a badly titled movie that appeals to the heart. It asks that we as an audience become involved in one man's search to do the right thing. Kevin James leads the way. All he asks is that we follow.
I scored Here Comes the Boom a booming 7 out of 10.
Jackie K Cooper
www.jackiekcooper.com