The latest movie I saw was titled Never Back Down, which I rented with my sister and her friend because they really wanted to see Cam Gigandet (Kevin Volchok from The O.C.) and Sean Farris (Sleepover). Okay.
In the beginning they establish Jake as the new kid from Atlanta, expelled for a severe fight back at his old school. He only got in that fight because someone ill-mentioned his dad, who died driving drunk with Jake in the passenger seat. It's tearing their family apart!!
His first day at school is typical, at a large high school with not so friendly peers. He meets a pretty blonde, saves her from the teacher's scolding. On his way home, he sees a small group of people fighting and begins to step in only to be told to "back off" because it's a thing they do.
His second day one of the kids he saw fighting talks to him, fills him in on their ways. The blonde girl invites him to a party, "So, I'll see you there?"
Then I couldn't take the movie seriously anymore because of the next scene. He shows up to the party which looked nicer than a hotel space. Outdoor pool, lights roped around everywhere like it was a festival. Huge balcony tops and common rooms, with a bar at the middle. Every girl in a bikini. No way is that someone's house. Highschool? Parents? Let's keep it real, now.
So he's making his way in and the really cocky dude, who was also one of those fighters, shows him around. Then when they step outside, he asks him if he's ready to fight because that is why they invited him. They all want to see if the new kid can defeat their best... talk about ridiculous.
"I don't want to fight you."
"Then why are you here?"
He looks over to the girl.
"Oh," and the dude walks over to her and kisses her and says, "This is awkward."
As he is about to leave, the dude/jerk says, "What I can't understand is...why you were in the passenger seat, and not the driver's..." igniting Jake's rage.
So then the dude basically ends up kicking his ass, humiliating him in front of everyone.
Done. It was like reading crystal ball. I didn't even need to pay attention to the rest of the movie.
1) He needs to reclaim his dignity
2) He must heal things with his family
3) He has to get better at fighting
4) Getting better at fighting will win over the girl
5) He will learn to "never back down"
Hollywood makes movies like this all the time. And they go no where except to the Blockbuster shelves. So much time, money, and energy wasted. Why do they continue to make mediocre films and what's the point. Why don't you make a spectacular film if you have the power to?
It wasn't terrible. It was entertaining and well-casted. It just wasn't original. Or realistic. No whole school community is obsessed with watching a fight, or having secret fight clubs, or planning certain fights at parties just for the sake of a fight.
Lastly, the moral or main message or theme... was exactly the title. Clever.
Bravo, I think you should spend millions on a sequel.
4 comments:
hey Hilary,
So i read your blog and i totally agree with you. i think its so dumb when movies are realy predictable. It always makes me feel like a wasted my money. You can always tell whats gonna happen next and then ending is exactly how you pictured it. I am glad you let me know about this movie so that i dont have to waste my money or time watching it!
I thought this review was very well written, and was my favorite to read. Though I do agree with your sisters thats proably the reason i'd watch the movie..i'm kind of obsessed with Kevin. But also reading I was a little disapointed it looked like a good movie but it seems as though its one of those typical hollywood movies that I would regret paying any money for. :( ....ugh.
Yes i totally and completely agree:).
Hollywood has the power to get basically everyone around the world to watch their movies - b/c they're entertaining and people like to go see movies, yes. But then why not send a great message or make something great for everyone to see and be inspired by? Hollywood is not using this power to their advantage, and they for sure should.
Hilary!
I really like your blog & agree with the fact that Hollywood can produce some incredbily predictable & "a waste of money and time" movies. Then again, a lot of blockbusters are like that. It is really who is acting in that is the most important part of the film, not about the plot or anythign else.
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