Iffy for 13+
Bloody fight film has heart, but it's no champion.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this action-drama is very much a fight film -- it's filled with brutal, gory scenes of men (and women, too) engaged in physical combat. They punch, kick, and choke each other, and there's plenty of cuts, bruises, and blood. There's also some swearing ("s--t," "bitch") and underage drinking (though viewers don't see actual liquor, the red plastic cups the teens hold are clearly full of alcohol). In many scenes, women and men wear nothing but bikinis and swim trunks, and there's some kissing and a little innuendo.
- Families can talk about why Jake feels compelled to fight. How does his approach to fighting change from the beginning to the end? What lessons does he learn from his mentor? How does he show that he's learned them? Does Jake teach Jean anything? Why are there so many movies about fighting? What's the attraction? How do you know who's the "good" guy and who's the "bad" guy in movies like this? Is that realistic?
The good stuff
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Messages: Teens videotape others while they fight, sometimes cheering them on, even though one or both could end up severely injured. One character relishes hurting others. But there are also some great examples of loyalty and friendship, as well as a supportive sibling relationship. And Jake learns the value of walking away from fights.
What to watch for
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Violence: A barrage of brawls that leave participants bloodied and, in some cases, severely injured. Lots of close-ups of kicks and punches and their bloody aftermath. The big climax is a major "beat down."
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Sex: Some kissing and sexual innuendoes. Some skimpy outfits.
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Language: "Bulls--t," "ass," and "bitch." Some trash talk during fights.
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Consumerism: Mentions of YouTube, logos for Pepsi and Mustang GT. Students are shown toting around iPhones and digital cameras.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: At a party, teens are shown holding red plastic cups, implying that they're drinking beer. In another scene, an adult offers teenagers a drink.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Great Movie!!! by kitsters
I didn't want to see this movie but i'm glad i did! It was great!! I was funny when It needed to be and had great action. Its a good date movie action for the guys and comedy plus some romance for the girls. GREAT MOVIE MUST SEE!!!
Hope this helps
4
Rocky meets Karate kid! by myshipyardworksucks
had a chance to see this with my son and his friend they loved it! full of hard fists, blood, and a good moral story! My only problem with this film was some of the carmera shots where fuzzy, and at times look like a "B" film. If you love when the bully gets his butt kicked you love this movie. Lite on plot but heavy hitting action.
4
An Adrenaline Rush by miss_tooshi
This movie is predictable but it keeps the audience intrigued. The camera angles are a bit nauseating so it is recommended to sit at a distant from the screen. Sean Faris is a very talented actor and he resemebles a young Tom Cruise. The extras are unrealistic, due to the model figure that everyone in high school posseses. I'm not a fan of action movies but the combat routines and the altercations between the characters were enticing. I would rate this movie as an 8.5. If you're interested in some excitement and eye candy then you must watch this movie!
5
Never Back Down by chandlernp
This movie was amazing! It wasn't the very best acting but the fights were awesome. go see this movie! Guys will love it. I am a girl and i still loved it but my friend hated it. if you like fighting and action movies this is definetly a movie for you
4
never back down by thatssneaky
good looking actors and actress. movie was pretty predictable. decent movie. would recommend to wait for dvd. not as much violence and fighting I was hoping for.
5
never backed down by juarbe
I think this was a great movie , had me on my feet the whole time great training and fighting scenes !!! after i left made me go home and hit the weights. Definately a great film go see it
4
inspiring by sparklecitymovieman
ALTHOUGH THIS HAD SOME CHEESY SCENES AND WAS SOMEWHAT PREDICTABLE IT WAS OVERALL AN INSPIRING FILM FOR THOSE OF US WHO WANT TO ACCOMPLISH GROWTH AND CHANGE IN OUR LIVES. ESPECIALLY BECAUSE WE UNDERSTAND HOW HOW PEOPLE CAN BE DIFFICULT TO DEAL WITH, EVEN WHEN WE TRY TO DO THE RIGHT THING.
5
Great Movie by JFER12
I didnt have very high expectations of this movie going in, but i was pleasantly surprised. It had some good fight scenes and the actors were very good. The movie is definitely not aimed towards people just a little bit older than the Hannah Montana age like someone said. I would say it is more aimed for late teens and early 20's.
As for those saying its unrealistic, asking the questions like where are the parents and the cops, cant you ask those questions about any movie? Yeah sure there are some things that dont make much sense, but it definitely does not take away from the plot, and its not like your going to sit through the movie wondering these things.
I definitely encourage seeing this movie
5
wow by phantomdrk
this movie is amazing i sat down thinking it was another o kmovies but no it had me at the edge wanting more every step of the way... a must go to see movie
5
NEVER BACK DOWN by damyers
THIS MOVIE IS BAD A$$. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT.