Film Review: Knockout

Genre: 
Sports films

Interest Level:
Ages 10 and up

Rating
PG

Theme:
Bullying, self-confidence, fighting back


Films with Similar Themes: 
The Karate Kid, The Bad News Bears


Bibliographic Information:
Cowell-Plain, T.(Producer), Greenberg, L. (Producer),  Heller, J. (Producer), Meyerowitz, B. (Producer), Nasser, J. (Producer), Nasser, J. (Producer), Sonnier, D. (Producer), Webber, D. (Producer) & Wheeler, A. (Director) (2011). Knockout [Motion Picture] United States: Phase 4 Films.

Plot: 
High school student Matthew Miller (Daniel Madger) and his over-protective mother (Janet Kidder) have just moved in with the mother's new husband (Sean Divine), which means Matthew must start over at a new school. The first day of school he is dared to ask one of the cheerleaders on a date. Unfortunately the cheerleader's boyfriend Hector (Jaren Brandt Bartlett) does not appreciate this and starts bullying Matthew. Life at school doesn't go very well after that, but then the school janitor (Steve Austin) named Dan suggested Matthew try out for the boxing team. Hector is also on the team and provokes Matthew during tryouts, which causes Matthew to punch him and lose his chance to be on the team. Dan offers to coach Matthew privately and to get him a spot in the upcoming box-off. provided he get a permission form signed by a parent. Matthew's mother would never approve, so Matthew forges his step-father's signature. The principal finds out, fires Dan, and tells Matthew's parents. It seems as thought Matthew will never be able to be on the team or to stand up to Hector, but then things turn around in a way that Matthew didn't except.

Review:  
Knockout is a great sports film for kids that is both action-filled and inspirational. Matthew deals with many issues common to tweens today such as moving to a new school, adjusting to a new parent, and facing the school bully. The roles are well-cast and well-played, especially Hector, who is a very convincing bully. Matthew is an inspirational lead who overcomes many issues, including leukemia when he was a child. It's a great film for tweens who want to learn to find the power to stand up for themselves and for what they believe is right. It's also a movie that tween WWE fans will love since it features wrestling star Steve Austin in what some would call his best role yet. Knockout is a great film for all tweens who love boxing, and most importantly who want to see the underdog stand up for himself against the bully!