Meet Scott Voss (Kevin James). He's a high school Biology teacher who has lost his edge. Actually, he's lost heart in the system. This loss sees him routinely arriving late on the good days and sleeping through class on the bad ones. That is, until he witnesses a teacher with true passion for the game about to lose his job due to budget cuts. That teacher is none other than music teacher, Marty Streb (Henry Winkler). The music department is about to get the axe with cold-hearted Principal Betcher holding the handle. Inspired by ole Marty, Mr. Voss goes into action. He sets his sights on earning extra dough to save the program and Mr. Streb. When his $8 per hour Immigration Classes add up to little, Mr. Voss eyes the not-so-glamorous world of martial arts boxing. After all, he used to be a wrestler and Voss is seeing potential big bucks--even for a loss. Yadayadayada...we watch as Voss, backed by Marty and fellow teachers (led by Salma Hayek) to beat the odds and make it all the way to the UCF, inspiring students and teachers alike and truly lowering the boom on a career daze.
It's pretty good. I'll go with 3.5 Stars on this one. You experience enough laughs to realize that you just witnessed a comedy. There are enough inspirational moments to carry the experience to work the next day. And, there plenty of likable characters that help you bond with their plight and the story behind them.
Having some friends who are teachers and actually care about what they do; it's always challenging for them to battle the system. The problems are numerous. There are school systems bogged down in bureaucracy. Parents are usually more painful than helpful, insisting on special treatment when none is warranted. And, don't get them started on some of those kids! We see those issues highlighted in Here Comes the Boom as well. You've got a budget-minded principal who is ready to axe a music program to get rid of a teacher who doesn't have tenure. Parents insisting on teachers not trying to inspire there students and kids that run the gamut in terms of attention spans. Yet, here you have a story of what happens when people simply buy-in to something special without the typical hyper-criticism. Oh sure, it's there in the beginning...the story has to have a semblance of reality, right!?! Eventually, however, people jump on board and we see that old word from the 90's re-emerge: Synergy!
With all of that in mind, I admit that I enjoyed this one and was even a little inspired by it. Plus, it was good to see Kevin James in a slightly different role. We're all accustomed to seeing him as the goofy, chunky guy...ala Hitch, Paul Blart Mall Cop, etc. He's tougher in this movie and actually pretty cool.
Is this one to go BIG on? Hmm...maybe. It should definitely make your queue on the ole rental list to check out in February. Yeah, it may not be true...actually, but it presents a story that is very true to life and true to us all. Take heart...check this one out and you might find a little heart as well.
True...OUT!
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