The Hammer

  • Review Date: March 13, 2008
  • R
  • Genre: Comedy
  • 2008
Review

Common Sense Media says

A boxing comedy with a potty mouth and warm heart.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

AGE
13
QUALITY
 

Kids say

Not yet rated

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that, like Billy Elliot, this is a film full of strong language that their kids have probably already heard elsewhere -- and a positive message that they should hear, too. Most of the movie's violence is in the context of boxing, which is depicted without glamour or gore as an athletic competition with rules and regulations. There's some drinking and kissing, but really the main content issue here is the language. That said, while the language is rude and pervasive (expect everything from "f--k" to "gay" and more), the film's characters and message -- work hard for your dreams -- are surprisingly positive.

  • Positive messages0
    A clearly racist bully refers to Nicaraguan characters as "beaners" and "wetbacks." A discussion of "going Dutch" for a date leads to a riff about how the Dutch "must be cheap bastards if that what's they're known for." Brief contextual discussions of the difference between Caucasian and African-American athletes. Carolla's character's work to make it to the Olympic boxing trials is shown in detail, and the effort required to fulfill that dream (impractical as it may be) is evident throughout.
  • Violence3
    Many boxing matches, including knockouts; some blood and bleeding. Outside of the ring, an angry man takes swings at a dodging Carolla, and one punch is delivered to a deserving bully's jaw. The delineation between the athletic pursuit of boxing and fighting outside the ring is clear.
  • Sex0
    Discussion of the idea that boxers should abstain from sex during training; some joking references to sexual potency (here called "chi"). Some kissing as part of a romantic relationship. The affection and care between Carolla and Juergensen's characters is a real part of their relationship.
  • Language5
    Pervasive, including several "f---"s and one "motherf---er" also "goddamn," "bitch," "gay" (as a descriptive, but not a pejorative), "balls," "crappy," "piece of s--t," "dips--t," "p---y," "a--hole," "whore," and many others.
  • Consumerism3
    Some logos visible, including Mikita power tools, Tecate beer, and Orchard Home Supply, as well as Everlast and other athletic equipment suppliers.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking3
    Some discussion of "crack whores" and "methheads" Carolla's character drinks to excess one time, with clear and vulgar ramifications (hangover-induced vomiting).
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What's the story?

Jerry (Adam Carolla) was once a pretty good Golden Gloves boxer; now, he's a contractor who teaches boxing at a gym on the side. A chance encounter with a up-and-coming pro fighter leads to a sparring match and a lucky knockout, with 40-year-old Jerry surprising everyone, including himself. A veteran coach suggests that Jerry enter the upcoming amateur trials to qualify for the Olympic team; Jerry goes for it, bonding with hot young prospect Robert Brown (Harold House Moore) and starting a romance with lawyer Lindsay (Heather Juergensen) as well. But at what point do you have to wake up from following your dreams? And are some of the people pulling for Jerry just pulling his leg?

Is it any good?

 

Carolla's Jerry may be a battered and beaten boxer, but he's a surprisingly appealing lead. And the film manages to be inspirational and clear-eyed about Jerry's prospects. Carolla and Juergensen have a nice, easy chemistry, and director Charles Herman-Wurmfeld has a light touch that serves this low-budget, shot-on-video comedy nicely. Carolla receives story credit; a former contractor himself, he entered show business late in life before becoming a radio (Loveline) and TV (The Man Show) host, so he's certainly in touch with Jerry's doubts and aspirations.

Loose, light, and low-key, THE HAMMER is a funny, character-driven indie comedy that, like Jerry, has a surprising amount of heart hidden behind its worn exterior.

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What families can talk about

Families can talk about the nature of boxing movies. What do they often have in common? How is this one different? Does the fact that it's a comedy instead of a drama change the messages it sends? If so, how? Families can also discuss the kind of hard work and sacrifice that following your dreams can truly require.

This review was written by James Rocchi
Parent of 9 year old
May 7, 2010
AGE
13
 
Good Movie
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Adult
April 9, 2008
AGE
 
Great Movie!!
I loved this movie. It was funny and surprisingly cute. I had heard of the movie on the Adam Carolla Show (mornings on 97.1KSLX) I am not a sports fan and this was still an entertaining movie. My boyfriend laughed out loud numerous times during this movie. I would recommend The Hammer to everyone.
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Adult
April 9, 2008
AGE
 
FINALLY – A Decent Comedy!
I took my husband to see this movie and we both found it to be hilarious. There was plenty of "guy stuff" as well as "girl stuff" (as in love story) to make it a well-rounded flick. And, although it's a story about a 40-year-old guy, I think that a lot of adolescent boys would enjoy the humor and story line... The ending is GREAT!
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This review was written by James Rocchi
Studio:International Film Circuit
Director:Charles Herman-Wurmfeld
Cast:Adam Carolla, Heather Juergensen, Oswaldo Castillo
Genre:Comedy
Run time:90 minutes
Theatrical release date:March 19, 2008
DVD release date:June 23, 2008
MPAA rating:R
MPAA explanation:brief language.
This review was written by James Rocchi
 

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ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
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BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
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NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.
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