Amanda Gipson
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The company’s latest production also has the family affair vibe many of these other films boast. Both Kevin James and Selma Hayak step in front of the camera again to portray the principal characters in this feel good film.
Scott Voss (James) is a lackluster biology teacher with a good guy hidden under the shell of disinterest who is stuck in the rut of investing all his energies into trying to get the school nurse, Bella Flores (Hayak) to date him.
A wrench is thrown into his predictable lifestyle when the school cuts the music program, leaving Voss to come up with a plan to win the affections of Flores and save the music program.
Much like “I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry,” “Here Comes the Boom” attempts to weave a social message within the film, one of education and giving to others.
This movie is such a feel good film that it leaves you wanting to save a school, or at the very least, hold the door for the person leaving the theatre behind you. Though the movie’s premise is totally unreliable and the viewers are totally aware of the improbability of the plot, you become invested in the outcome.
This investment is totally based upon the cast. While I felt no chemistry between Voss and Flores, I loved Eric and Lauren, Voss’s brother and sister-in-law. They were portrayed by James’ real life brother (Gary Valentine) and Melissa Peterman of Reba fame. Their antics, which centered around marital spats and a growing family, stole the film and set a bar that Voss and Flores’ chemistry failed to meet. Perhaps this is because I am used to the female lead opposite James to be as memorable as he was, as was the case with Leah Remini in “The King of Queens.”
Indeed, the entire supporting cast, from the lovable if out of touch music teacher who thinks Neil Diamond is good fight music (Henry Winkler) to Voss’ citizenship student turned MMA coach (Bas Rutten) form the basis for a really great film.
Perhaps it is because many of the actors have worked together before, but the way they played of each other was just wonderful. It is these characters, especially that of Winkler, that I connected with.
We see, through them, the changes that Voss undergoes to save his school and it through their perceptions and actions that I grew to understand Voss and why he would undertake such an improbable mission.
For me, this film was so uplifting and refreshing. In a world wherein most films contain some elements of sex, death and violence, it was wonderful to see a film that emphasizes giving to others and growing as a person. I felt it had an entertaining, if improbable plot, with a wonderful message.
The main benefit of the film, however, was being able to see actors that I have grown to love all together on one film. The fact there was a message is icing on the cake, as most fans of any of these wonderful actors would have gone to see the film if they did nothing but sit and talk for 105 minutes.
The only drawback to this recommended film was the seeming incompatibility of James and Hayek’s characters.