Never Back Down - 2 smiles

Do you remember “The Karate Kid”? “Never Back Down” is an updated version of that movie and it brings nothing new to the plot. Jake Tyler (Sean Faris) has anger issues (which really means guilt issues) surrounding his alcoholic father’s death in a car accident. Jake is angry all of the time and quick to use his fists. He moves from Iowa to Florida with his mother and tennis-prodigy younger brother. Unfortunately for Jake, his reputation precedes him and the school’s BMOC/bully, Ryan McCarthy (Cam Gigandet) wants to teach him a lesson by beating him up in front of half of the school. Jake’s new friend Max (Evan Peters) talks him into joining a mixed martial arts gym under the tutelage of Jean Roqua (Djimon Honsou). If you know “The Karate Kid,” you know what to expect from the rest of the movie. Sean Faris has the look of a young Tom Cruise so it’s not hard to watch him. Djimon Honsou, the stand-in for Mr. Miyagi, is too good of an actor to be doing this kind of movie although both Faris and Honsou get to show off their amazing physiques so that might be some consolation. Nonetheless, you don't have to rush out to see this highly derivative movie. (3/24/08)