Here Comes The Boom Review

Justin and I saw Here Comes The Boom on November 2, 2012!! I am a fan of Kevin James and this movie was a great example of why. It shows the importance of how much difference a teacher can make whether it is with the students or fellow teachers. The movie follows high school biology teacher, Scott Voss, who seems to have initially lost his passion for the education profession over ten years. He had won Teacher of the Year and was enthusiastic about educating students. Now he shows up to work late, acts like teaching students isn't important, and basically treats the periods like study halls. At the faculty meeting at the beginning of the year, we find out that to meet budget, the school is going to cut all extra-curricular activities, which includes the music department. Scott doesn't agree with this, and I automatically see where he is coming from. It's cutting a school's ability to allow students to express themselves in a creative way, and provides avenues for students who may not be academically motivated. He assures Marty Streb (played by Henry Winkler) that he will help get the money for the school and the students. They need to raise $48,000 to save the extra-curricular activities. The assistant principal and Voss don't see eye to eye. Scott also teaches a citizenship class to earn extra money on the side. He is also trying to figure out a way to help Marty. He realizes it might be a failed effort based on the amount of money he earns. One of his students in the citizenship class, Niko (who was hilarious) wishes to get extra tutoring for the test. Scott sees UFC on television and hears that the fighters earn certain amounts of money, $10,000 if they lose, $50,000 if they win. Scott sees this as the opportunity he has been looking for. As a former amateur wrestler, he thinks this will be easy. After several beatdowns and pulled body parts, as well as frequent trips to the school nurses office, he begins to get serious about his training as the goal is to make the money and give it to the school. I like the chemistry between him and Salma Hayek's Bella Flores character as well. He has been trying to go on a date with her for years, but he either came across as too cocky or other circumstances came to light. With the new training and drive to fight for something, it ignites his passion for the students and his interactive lessons bring him back to how he was ten years ago. With this new passion, his attitude with Bella changes and leads to a nice conclusion to the romantic arc building between them. Salma Hayek is beautiful!! It's great to watch Scott change over the course of the movie. A meeting with Joe Rogan allows Scott to qualify for a UFC fight. Now he literally is in for the fight of his life. He is fighting for more than himself. There is a twist with money he has already raised that had me and the audience flipping out, but Scott manages to bounce back and in an intense battle is able to reach the school's goal. It's an amazing story of fighting for what you believe in. I give it a 3/5 for a good cast, legitimate comedic parts, and an overall positive message of determination to meet goals.