New Martial Arts Movie Never Back Down Focuses on Mixed Martial Arts
Written by CallmeMaddy
Published December 31, 2007
Everybody knows somebody like Jake Tyler. He's the kid whose has been caught street fighting, and, being new, is a total outsider. In the upcoming movie Never Back Down, Sean Faris portrays Jake Tyler, a guy just searching to belong. In his hometown, Jake was the star football player, but his family moved to Orlando to help his younger brother's tennis career.
From the outset, Jake doesn't belong. His classmate, Baja (Amber Heard), tries to help him by inviting him to a party, where he runs into a bully (Cam Gigandet), who defeats and embarrasses Jake, but ultimately changes his life. Because, right after the fight, somebody tells Jake about a sport known as mixed martial arts (MMA). Learning what his bully already knows, he may be able to defeat him.
Mixed martial arts immediately fascinates Jake, and he wants in to this underground sport. Mixed martial arts master Jean Roqua (Djimon Hounsou) offers to help him. Roqua can only help Jake so much; Jake must teach himself patience, discipline, willingness, and reason. Jake must also learn that mixed martial arts is not about getting even, but about growing up. Mixed martial arts is indeed an art, and must be treated as one.
The film is eliciting mixed emotions so far. One man even said that the movie is "...a disgrace to MMA" and all of the people involved in MMA should be boycotting the movie. I wouldn't be too sure. The trailer looks pretty good, and I have a good feeling. We'll see how it does in theaters. The movie is not yet rated, but expect a PG-13 rating. Produced by Summit Entertainment, this film is due out on March 14, 2008.