Iffy for 15+
A boxing comedy with a potty mouth and warm heart.
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.
- 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.
The good stuff
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Messages: 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.
What to watch for
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Violence: 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.
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Sex: 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.
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Language: 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.
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Consumerism: Some logos visible, including Mikita power tools, Tecate beer, and Orchard Home Supply, as well as Everlast and other athletic equipment suppliers.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Some discussion of "crack whores" and "methheads" Carolla's character drinks to excess one time, with clear and vulgar ramifications (hangover-induced vomiting).
Fan Reviews provided by
5
A surprisingly good movie by edhones
I went into this movie thinking it was going to be a low budget mediocre comedy let down. I was pleasently surprised at how funny and well put together this movie was. You would never guess it was made on a budget of only 1 million dollars. Adam Carolla plays a surprisingly good leading man. All in all this movie is a solid classic. If it doesnt make mass release in theatres I guarantee it will become a colt classic. You dont need to be an Adam Carolla fan to love this movie. I would highly recomend this movie to anyone that wants to see a good comedy.
5
Suprisingly funny throughout for Everyone. by cytocriptic1
I had my doubts about this movie last week when it was released, but I gave it a chance and was blown away. Adam Carolla hit the nail on the head with this boxing/romantic comedy film. Not only is it hilarious from beginning to end, but it appeals to everyone, regardless of age, gender, & race. I was so impressed with it that I took my Uncle & his girlfriend to a showing the next day and they LOVED it. They must have thanked me 20 times for taking them. They even convinced my grandpa to go see it and HE Loved it. This is very different from the type of movie I'd usually go out to see, & I'm not a huge Adam Carolla fan, but I must say that this is a small gem in a business full of processed crap. If you're up for an indie type film with a funny, heart-felt story that will leave you feeling oddly optimistic, The Hammer comes highly recommended.
5
The Hammer by hammer_fan
This is such a great movie. You leave the theater feeling happy, and complete. I am usually a tough crowd to please, and don't laugh out loud while watching many movies, but this one was absolutely hilarious. My husband was unsure about it, and didn't know what to expect, and he laughed throughout the whole movie.
I highly recommend this movie if you are looking for a laugh, and want to feel good after watching it, instead of depressed, or upset that you wasted $10.
5
A memorable experience for one and all. by Chobeo
I mostly went and saw this as a fan of Adam's radio show.
I fully expected to have heard most of the jokes and only be mildly amused by everything else.
I'm a cranky viewer by nature.
I was surprised at just how entertained I was and how much I loved the ending.
It's not often that I'll tell people to see a film, but this is one everyone should see.
It's not at all preachy but has a real moral lesson.
This is nothing like The Man Show, it's what Rocky should have been.
5
Funniest Movie in years! by maverick.1752
I saw this movie three times while i was in San Francisco and I
would recommend this movie to anybody who loves an underdog
comedy. Great dialogue, great cast and overall great story.
As long as there are movies like this being made, there is still
hope for a movie industry that has produced nothing but crap
recently.
5
breakin the law by boarder71
So we were going to sneak into a second movie on Saturday, so we had to kill a half hour and the pimple faced ticket taker was given us the stink eye. So we walked into a theater, did not know what it was just sat down and were going to leave in a half hour, but then the movie started. I do not think it even pop into my mind we were going to try and see something else ten minutes into this film. I have seen Adam Carolla on the man show, but I had know idea he was doing movies now. This movie was hilarious, my wife loved it and our ******* son loved it. I never heard of this movie. I thought afterward we snuck into some kind of sneak pre-view, because how can a movie this funny get No advertising? Go see this film to be pleasantly surprised about film, because I can not remember the last time I saw a film that did not telegraph the plot and the boiler plat ending before the film even started.
5
Funny S You gotta see this! by MsEmily
This was one of the funniest, f'n movies I have seen in a long time. I didn't think the Ace Man had it in him to make a movie that can make you laugh continuously throughout the entire movie. My face hurt by the end of it from laughing so much. Carolla was hilarious and has a humor that is original and self deprecating. He isn't a physical comedian (which in my opinion is a copout because it doesn't take any talent to be funny if the material is already written for you) but a subtle comedic genius. Carolla clearly used his intellect and wit to write a humorous script which appeared at times to be ad-libbed, further underscoring Carolla's unique ability to think quickly on his feet and to retort with witty, smart *** comments. Oswaldo, Adam's sidekick and real life friend/Nicaraguan immigrant, is a funny addition to the film. Go see this movie--show the mainstream movie producers that you don't have to have a multi-million dollar budget to make a great movie!!
5
Adam Corrolla, real man of genius by Halesyes!
This movie brings to life all that we know to be Adam Corrolla. And we finnally can put a face to the beloved voice of Ozzy faithful life long friend to the Ace man. This movie is about 40 year old Jerry who never quite reached his full potential. In short Jerry is a Carpenter slash boxing instructor who loses his job and girlfriend in the same day. Jerry by luck or a large amount of "chi" is set on the path to becoming a boxer in the olympics. This movie isnt so much about boxing as it is about a man who is finding the motivation to change his life. This is a great feel good movie with more laughs than other comedys playing right now. I highly recommend it for fans of Adam and to you who will be fans after watching this great little film.
5
Great date flick! by topique
The Hammer won't dissapoint. Even if you've allready judged Adam Carolla, give this movie a chance, because it really works. The 'R' rating is not deserved, as this is a gentle film without foul language, sex or excessive violence. It's a tribute to good writing that you can still enjoy a movie without all the standard ploys. See it before it's gone!
5
the hammer by godfather69
Ozzie was hysterical and Adam played himself. Very funny even my wife was cracking up.