Here Comes the Boom

I had the opportunity this week to preview the new Kevin James movie, Here Comes the Boom. If you aren’t familiar with it, let me begin with a synopsis from the official web site: www.boom-movie.com:

“In the comedy Here Comes the Boom, former collegiate wrestler Scott Voss (Kevin James) is a 42-year-old apathetic biology teacher in a failing high school. When cutbacks threaten to cancel the music program and lay off its teacher (Henry Winkler,) Scott begins to raise money by moonlighting as a mixed martial arts fighter. Everyone thinks Scott is crazy – most of all the school nurse, Bella (Salma Hayek) – but in his quest, Scott gains something he never expected as he becomes a sensation that rallies the entire school.

I knew from the previews that this little movie wouldn’t be an Oscar contender. However, I was intrigued in advance by the story and the message. In fact, I absolutely loved this film. Kevin James was predictably funny, with his trademark self-deprecating humor and lots of physical comedy. Henry Winkler and Salma Hayek also delivered strong supporting performances. I don’t generally expect much from Henry Winkler, but his quirky role was actually kind of inspirational. The surprise was that this is a movie that makes you both laugh and cry. We knew it would be both cute and funny, but the overarching message got to me and I walked out of the theater wanting to be a better person and fight for what is right.

As it turns out there was more depth and intrinsic value tucked into this B movie comedy than I had anticipated. It’s really about the struggle against personal and institutional mediocrity which is so pervasive in our society, and how the actions of one person can create a momentum that changes the lives of everyone around them. Along the way, we discover an infectious growth in the protagonist’s humanity that affects the other characters, while also spilling off of the screen and into the audience. Sure, it’s funny-even silly. But that humor is effectively employed to poke a sarcastic finger into some of the shortcomings of our educational system … and ourselves.

There are enough sub-stories to add texture to the plot and keep us interested, and they are complemented by a host of humorous peripheral characters who clearly strengthen the backdrop. This story also cobles together and contrasts a mosaic of unlikely subjects which add perspective including: mixed martial arts (cage fighting), the power of music, the privilege of citizenship, the value of education, and the triumph of the human spirit. Granted all this is explored through comedy, and there are also a lot of cage fighting scenes to wade through, but the ends definitely justify the means so it’s absolutely worth the ride.

And all this is accomplished without sex or profanity. The lead couple didn't even kiss until the end, and the only couple who got pregnant had been married for twenty years. The fight scenes were necessarily violent, which is a concern for some younger viewers, but their contrast to James' mild-mannered character and mission actually added to the story. There’s clearly a time to tell a long, depressing tale … and that’s often important, but I have a soft spot for a good comedy. And this little film, which turned out to be as surprisingly inspirational as it is funny, is the reason I personally go to the movies. Here Comes the Boom opens in theaters this weekend and I highly recommend it.  

 

Bonus:

For a biographical perspective on Kevin James, his faith, and his career, check out this article as well:
http://thecatholicspirit.com/featured/comic-actor-kevin-james-wants-to-glorify-god-in-every-way/