Here Comes the Boom (2012)

Here Comes the Boom

Taglines: No one will fight for his students like Mr. Voss.

Former Division I collegiate wrestler Scott Voss is a 42-year-old bored and disillusioned biology teacher at the failing Quincy High School. Budget cutbacks at the school jeopardize the continuation of its music program, which would result in its teacher, Marty Streb, being laid off. Concerned for both his colleague and his students, Scott attempts to raise the $48,000 necessary to keep the music program alive.

He moonlights as a night instructor for an adult citizenship class, where student Niko asks him for outside tutoring. When Scott arrives at Niko’s apartment, he learns that Niko was a former mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter. While watching the UFC at Niko’s apartment, Scott learns that the loser of a fight receives $10,000, which gives him the idea of raising the money by fighting and losing in MMA.

Scott, helped by Niko and Marty, begins with small unsanctioned bouts paying only $750 to the loser. Niko begins training him in defense, later adding trainer Mark to teach offense, after Scott knocks out an opponent and realizes that wins give larger payouts, needing fewer fights to achieve his $48,000 goal. While Mark trains with Scott, Malia De La Cruz, one of Scott’s students and a band member, helps Niko study for his citizenship test by putting the information into songs. Scott then begins fighting in small MMA fights and gradually gaining higher amounts of money for the school.

Here Comes the Boom

Scott has been pursuing the school nurse, Bella Flores, and they share moments revealing affection for each other, while also rekindling Scott’s passion for teaching. He begins to engage the class and earns the respect of his students. Scott is within $6,000 of his goal when Mark tells him that Niko turned down a sanctioned UFC fight offered by Joe Rogan, with the certainty of earning $10,000 for a loss. Scott confronts Niko, who apologizes and admits he turned it down because he was jealous.

Niko was once asked to fight at the UFC but suffered a neck injury while training for it, ending his career. Scott and Niko accept the offer, with Scott and his crew soon traveling to the MGM Grand Las Vegas for the fight. Once he arrives, he learns that school administrator Elkins has been embezzling from the winnings and the school, meaning all Scott’s efforts have been in vain. Scott decides he must win the fight and the $50,000 purse.

The publicity of Scott’s slow rise to fame has grown, and the school’s band appears in the stands to play his theme song, thanks to Bella contacting Rogan. During the fight, Marty reminds the losing Scott that even if he does not win, he has inspired the students, which is their real purpose as teachers. Scott has no answer to his dangerous opponent, Ken Dietrich, who is angered that his original opponent canceled and that he is stuck with a man that “does not deserve” to be fighting at the UFC. After finding inspiration from the students, Scott manages to win the fight, earning $50,000 and Dietrich’s respect. Scott and Bella kiss through the chain link fence of the ring.

Here Comes the Boom is a 2012 American comedy film directed by Frank Coraci, co-written, produced by and starring Kevin James. It was also written by Allan Loeb and Rock Reuben with music by Rupert Gregson-Williams. The film co-stars Henry Winkler and Salma Hayek. It was produced by Happy Madison Productions. The film was released in the United States on October 12, 2012 by Columbia Pictures. The film’s title is taken from the song “Boom” by Christian rock band P.O.D.

Here Comes the Boom Movie Poster

Here Comes the Boom (2012)

Directed by: Frank Coraci
Starring: Kevin James, Salma Hayek, Henry Winkler, Greg Germann, Joe Rogan,Gary Valentine, Charice, Bas Rutten, Reggie Lee, Melissa Peterman, Germaine De Leon, Earnestine Phillips
Screenplay by: Allan Loeb, Kevin James
Production Design by: Perry Andelin Blake
Cinematography by: Phil Méheux
Film Editing by: Scott Hill
Costume Design by: Hope Hanafin
Set Decoration by: Denise Pizzini
Art Direction by: Alan Au
Music by: Rupert Gregson-Williams
MPAA Rating: PG for bouts of MMA sports violence, some rude humor and language.
Distributed by: Columbia Pictures
Release Date: October 12, 2012

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