Review of Never Back Down 2: The Beatdown (2011) by Amberand P — 14 Sep 2011

Yet another MMA movie, riding on the growing popularity of the sport. And like a fly to shit I am drawn to it. Maybe it's good this time? NO!!! Fuck no!

I don't even know where to begin. I feel like I could write a novel about this piece of shit. Let's start by recognizing that one of my biggest idols in the movie business directed this unfortunate event. One Michael Jai White. He also stars in the film, and he is the only good thing in it. I have to wonder, though, why on earth did he decide to make such a flick. He knows better, having been in so many awesome martial art movies. Damn!

As a side note, I was wondering where Todd Duffee disappeared after being cut from the UFC for being an asshole. Turns out he makes shitty movies now, and he sure as fuck can't act either. Go, Todd!

The "plot" is such a mangled mess it's not even funny. There is the token teen with a chip on his shoulders. Angry at the world and shit, so of course he must fight. On that note, why the fuck do they always make these mixed martial arts movies for the teen crowd? I want good MMA movies for adults! The generic teen music and "omg, mma guys are so hawt" makes me wanna puke. Some realism wouldn't kill anyone either.

The name dropping and seeking of street cred is truly embarrassing. They mention every good fighter in the real world and try to sound cool that way. And those scenes are excruciating every single time. Also, what the hell was that weird tribute to Lyoto Machida in the middle of the movie? He is my second favorite fighter in the UFC (after Pat Barry) and I love him, but that was just strange as hell.

Of course this movie glorifies violence and teaches that it is a good way to solve your issues. These sort of rock-music-blasting-on-the-background while teens are battering each other are exactly the type of movies I don't want to see. No wonder half of them are beating each other up in real life after watching these.

And the corniest of corny sex scenes... Yawza! And the fact there is really not that much fighting. The problems of the young, uninteresting and uncharismatic actors are more important. I could go on and on. But I won't. I have to go breathe into a paper bag.

This movie is a disaster all around. It is aimed at young people who know absolutely fuck all about fighting and the martial art spirit. I'm ashamed I even watched this turd. This movie should be named: Back the Fuck Down from this Movie Or You Get a Beatdown.