Never Back Down

Year of Release: 2008
Genre: Kung Fu / Teen
Rating: Rated PG-13 for mature thematic material involving intense sequences of fighting / violence, some sexuality, partying and language - all involving teens.
Director: Jeff Wadlow
Starring: Sean Faris, Amber Heard, Cam Gigandet, Evan Peters, Leslie Hope, Djimon Hounsou.

Date Of Review: April 2008

“Never Back Down” is a film that caught me by surprise. Many people have said that the film is no more than a knock off of “The Karate Kid” and “Fight Club” but it certainly deserves much more respect than that. I will admit that the film does have a resemblance to both films in question but to discredit this film as a lame imitation is to take away what it has going for it and that is, a great cast, solid performances by all concerned and a well-told engaging story that will keep you connected to the very end.  Simplicity is often the key to good story-telling and this film follows the winning formula right down to a tee. We have seen it all before but we don’t always see it done this well.

“Never Back Down” is the story of a rebellious teen, Jake Tyler (Sean Faris), who moves to a new high school and is faced with obstacles beyond his control.  Being the new boy on the block he is humiliated and bashed at an after school party and is forced to seek martial arts training to protect himself and his friends from the bullies. As it turns out, Jake and his trainer, Jean Roqua (Djimon Hounsou), share a common bond in that they have both suffered family tragedies that they are still trying to deal with. The villain of the piece and chief bully is Ryan McCarthy (Cam Gigandet), the top-dog at an underground fight club. To add fuel to the fire, Jake falls in love with Ryan’s girlfriend, Baja Miller (Amber Heard). As the plot thickens and emotions reach boiling point, Jake comes to the conclusion that he has no alternative but to defeat Ryan if he wants to live a life of peace in his new environment.  

“Never Back Down” marks Sean Faris’ first big screen starring role, however, some audiences may already know him as the lead in the teen TV series “Life As We Know It” (2004 – 2005) and from small supporting roles in films such as “Sleepover” (2004) and “Yours, Mine And Ours” (2005).  I was literally gob-smacked by how much Sean reminded me of Tom Cruise in terms of look and mannerisms. Think Tom Cruise in “Risky Business” and “All The Right Moves” and you will know exactly what I am talking about. With this film Sean Faris has proven that he has both the looks and the talent to emerge as a star of the future. On the other hand, Cam Gigandet is menacing as the buff, blonde, violent bully and is the reason why the film shares a connection to Brad Pitt and “Fight Club”. Heck, with casting like this, it looks as if they could have called the film “Tom Cruise VS. Brad Pitt”. As for the female eye-candy, Amber Heard looks great and does what is required as the girl who is caught between the two boys. When her character Baja falls for Jake she confronts Ryan and tells him, “The only time you're happy is when you're hurting people”. This puts even more fuel on a fire that is already blazing.

Although, the film does not feature a defined fighting style, it does make reference to MMA, a type of fighting known as Mixed Martial Arts. Whatever the case, “Never Back Down” is brimming with plenty of no holds-barred fight sequences and is certainly one of the more intense action films to have received a PG-13 rating in recent times. I was concerned at one point that the film would degenerate into glamorizing the idea that to be the most popular guy in school, you had to be the best fighter.  But this notion is quickly dispelled and the true message of the film comes through loud and clear; sometimes you have to fight and win so that you never have to fight again. This message is also highlighted and book ended when there is a reference made to Greek mythology and the symbol on the shield of achilles in the Iliad.  

 “Never Back Down” is one of the most enjoyable teen films that I have seen in quite some time and is a good example of what a teen action film should be. For today’s You-Tube generation the film serves as a good re-imagining of the 1980s classic “The Karate Kid”. As you probably know, if you have already read my review of “The Karate Kid”, that film is one of my all-time favorite movies. While “Never Back Down” lacks the charm and philosophies of “The Karate Kid’s” Mr. Miyagi, as an entertainment piece, it works quite well, with exceptional performances and emotional content to boot. “Never Back Down” has the right mix of drama, romance, high school life, testosterone-filled action and heart to make audiences want to stand up and cheer. “Never Back Down” actually exceeded all my expectations and I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed the film.

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If you like "Never Back Down" you should also enjoy the following movies - Now Available on DVD:

The Karate Kid (1984) [DVD]
Inspiring underdog tale from "Rocky" director John Avildsen stars Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso, a New Jersey teen who moves to L.A. and runs afoul of a bullying bunch of karate students. Learning how to defend himself from handyman/martial arts master Mr. Miyagi (Noriyuki "Pat" Morita), Daniel enters a dangerous tournament in order to even the score. With Elisabeth Shue, William Zabka, Randee Heller, and Martin Kove. 126 min. Widescreen; Soundtracks: English, French; Subtitles: English, Spanish, Chinese, Thai, French; audio commentary; featurettes; "making of" documentary; theatrical trailer.

The Last Dragon (1985) [DVD]
Unusual martial arts film adds urban action and music with comedy. A black Bruce Lee fan (Taimak) must rid his neighborhood of a street bully named Sho'Nuff in order to become a Kung Fu master and win the love of a video jockey (Vanity). Fast-paced adventure and a witty script make this one stand out. 108 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtracks: English Dolby Digital stereo Surround, Portuguese Dolby Digital stereo, French Dolby Digital stereo; Subtitles: English, French, Portuguese, Spanish, Korean, Chinese, Thai; filmographies; audio commentary; theatrical trailers.

Fight Club (Special Edition) (1999) [DVD]
One part "Raging Bull" and one part Susan Faludi essay, "Seven" director David Fincher's controversial drama stars Edward Norton as a burned-out insurance worker who seeks out connections by attending support group meetings. A chance encounter with off-the-wall soap salesman Brad Pitt leads the two to form Fight Club, an underground group where men bond and find catharsis through beating each other to a pulp. Norton isn't prepared for the consequences when Pitt moves the violence outside the ring. 139 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtracks: English Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby Digital Surround, French Dolby Digital Surround; Subtitles: English, Spanish; audio commentary; behind-the-scenes footage; deleted scenes; storyboards; more. Two-disc Set.

Sean Faris DVD Collection - Now Available:
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Amber Heard DVD Collection - Now Available:
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Pick Of The Flicks - Recommended Links:
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The Kung Fu Connection at Hollywood Teen Movies

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