Review of Never Back Down (2008) by Paul P — 17 Dec 2011
This film had the feel of the OC meets Bloodsport meets the Karate Kid, which of course does not mean Academy Award nominations. I was very surprised to see an excellent actor Djimon Hounsou agreeing to play a major role in this film as the tough, wise, but troubled jiu jitsu master Juan Roqua.
Sean Faris was not very good as the protagonist Jake Tyler and neither was Cam Gigandet as the antagonistic Ryan McCarthy. The only thing both guys had to boast about were their bodies, which you could tell the director Jeff Wadlow wanted to showcase as often as possible.
Amber Heard was not particularly great either but she was smoking hot, which of course along with the technical aspects of MMA saves this film from complete disaster.
This review of Never Back Down (2008) was written by Paul P on 17 Dec 2011.
Never Back Down has generally received mixed reviews.
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