Here Comes the Boom (2012)

In the world of inspirational sports comedies, “Here Comes the Boom” booms onto centre stage. Directed by Frank Coraci, this 2012 film stars Kevin James, Salma Hayek, and Henry Winkler, this film offers a heart-warming and humorous cinematic experience.

The movie centres around the story of Scott Voss, portrayed by Kevin James, a biology teacher who embarks on an extraordinary journey to save his school’s struggling music program.

Voss’s path to becoming an unlikely MMA fighter ignites a whirlwind of humour, perseverance, and a touch of the unexpected.

While the storyline might feel somewhat familiar, it doesn’t deter you from wholeheartedly embracing this film and its endearing characters.

Trailer

Cast

One of the film’s standout features is its impeccable casting. Kevin James, known for his comedic roles, carries the film’s weight with a sincere and endearing performance.

His chemistry with Salma Hayek, who plays the school nurse, provides a delightful and heart-warming dynamic that adds to the film’s charm.

Henry Winkler shines as Marty Streb, Scott’s supportive friend and fellow teacher. Notably, real-life MMA legends Chael Sonnen and Wanderlei Silva make cameo appearances, adding an authentic touch to the film’s action sequences.

To top it all off, Joe Rogan makes a memorable cameo appearance, rounding out the cast and ensuring that “Here Comes the Boom” delivers a perfect blend of humour, heart, and high-energy sports action for audiences to enjoy.

Plot

The film’s story unfolds in a classic underdog tale, where the unlikeliest hero emerges. Scott Voss (Kevin James), a lovable, bumbling teacher, transforms into an MMA fighter to raise funds for the school’s music program.

Pleasantly Authentic

The film’s journey from concept to reality was marked by the commitment of the cast and crew.

Kevin James immersed himself in MMA training and an ensemble of mixed martial artists joined the cast infusing a remarkable level of authenticity into the film.

“Here Comes the Boom” hit theatres to enthusiastic audiences and received positive reviews for its blend of humour and heart. The film’s light-hearted approach to tackling serious issues is refreshing and engaging, making it a memorable addition to the sports comedy genre.

More Than Just Your Ordinary School Teacher!

As we follow Scott Voss on his quest, we witness his remarkable transformation from an apathetic teacher to a dedicated MMA fighter.

The film’s comedy arises from the stark contrast between Voss’s ordinary life and his extraordinary venture into the world of cage fighting. The training sequences and fight scenes are both comical and entertaining, showcasing Voss’s progression as a fighter.

While “Here Comes the Boom” primarily aims to entertain, it also touches on themes of passion, commitment, and the value of education in the face of budget cuts.

The film’s message, that one person can make a difference, resonates strongly and is delivered with a depth of sincerity.

Transformation into a Fighter

Kevin James’s remarkable transformation into a fighter as an actor not only added unparalleled authenticity to the movie but also significantly enhanced the overall viewing experience.

The MMA fight sequences are choreographed skilfully, adding an authentic touch to the film’s action elements. Henry Winkler’s portrayal of a music teacher adds depth to the story, emphasizing the importance of arts in education.

Action

The fighting in this film is great and we have some hilarious scenes incorporated here. From amateur level all the way to the top with a professional UFC bout.

Fight Scenes

I loved the way they did this and each scene felt real and grounded. Even some of the cameos in the movie were really cool and made the film even more exciting to watch for any MMA or UFC fan.

The meticulous attention to detail in both wrestling and striking techniques is gratifying, elevating the film’s choreography to another level.

The seamless integration of humorous moments, depicting both Scott Voss’s victories and defeats, not only adds a delightful comedic layer but also maintains a grounded quality to the overall narrative.

The inclusion of scenes featuring Voss’s coaches on the sidelines during his fights brings an additional element of fun and authenticity to the storyline.

In essence, these carefully crafted scenes contribute to the film’s dynamic and entertaining blend of humour and genuine sportsmanship.

Summary

While “Here Comes the Boom” delivers on its promises of humour and inspiration, it does not stray far from the expected formula of sports comedies.

The film follows a familiar trajectory, and its outcome is somewhat predictable. Yet, that predictability does not detract from the overall enjoyment of the movie. It offers a comforting and heart-warming experience, and in addition, is downright hilarious in places!

“Here Comes the Boom” offers an enjoyable mix of comedy, heart, and inspiration, making it a feel-good movie that can be enjoyed by viewers of all ages.

Kevin James’s performance and the film’s message of determination are its key strengths. If you’re in the mood for an uplifting underdog story with a touch of humour, “Here Comes the Boom” will tick the boxes!

Favourite Quotes

• “I wasn’t out cold, although I did see a unicorn and I was riding it.” – Scott Voss
• “We have a very interesting debut tonight, Scott Voss, a biology teacher from Boston. The good news: He was a division-I college wrestler. The bad news: That was 20 years ago.” – Joe Rogan
• “You can quit right now and everything we worked for will have been accomplished. Our students, they’re inspired.” – Marty Streb

Trivia

• Kevin James trained in MMA for the role 14 months before filming and performed a lot of the stunts himself.
• They used professional fighters in this film (Bas Rutten, Chael Sonnen, and more) and were taught how NOT to fight!
• The anecdote shared by Niko (Bas Rutten) with Scott (Kevin James) about his inability to compete in the UFC mirrors Bas Rutten’s personal experiences.
• Kevin James lost around 75lbs (34kg) for this role!

Film Rating: 8.5/10

You can get your copy of “Here Comes the Boom” on Blu-ray via Amazon!

What do you remember best about “Here Comes the Boom”? What are your favourite fight and action scenes? Let us know in the comments below; Like, share and join in the conversation on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter & Instagram!

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