Never Back Down

Apr 4 2008 by The Journal

(1hr 53mins) Starring: Sean Faris, Cam Gigandet, Djimon Hounsou. Director: Jeff Wadlow

IF the classic 80s fairytale The Karate Kid sparred with cult 90s hit Fight Club, the bloodied, bruised pulp to emerge from the melee would be Never Back Down, a tale of brawling guys, bikini-clad girls and broken families.

Unfortunately, while the film has its undeniable appeal to the eyes and ears, there’s very little to engage the mind.

High school American football player Jake Tyler (Sean Faris) moves from rural Iowa to Orlando with his mother Margot and younger brother Charlie.

Jake blames himself for the death of his father in a drink driving crash, taking out his rage and despair on rival players on the field.

He quickly falls under the spell of blonde classmate Baja (Amber Heard).

Unfortunately, Baja is the sexy plaything of resident fight club king Ryan (Cam Gigandet) who goads Jake into a skirmish at a party, where the new boy takes a beating.

School geek Max is impressed with Jake’s bravado and introduces the newcomer to gym owner and martial arts mentor Jean Roqua (Djimon Hounsou), who moulds him into a killing machine.

Never Back Down is all brawn and no brains.