Never Back Down

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Never Back Down ★ 2008 (PG-13)

Mild-mannered teen Jake Tyler (Faris) is set off by the school bully's trash talk, exploding into an ugly fist fight. Soon after, boxing trainer Jean (Honsou) takes Jake under his wing, teaching him the ways of the sport and the meaning of self-respect, eventually leading to an inevitable rematch with the bully. And, yes, he wins the girl, rehashing “The Karate Kid” and countless other underdog sports dramas. Oddly preaches a message of non-violence while cheering on Jake's bloody bareknuckle beat-downs. 110m/C DVD . US Sean Faris, Amber Heard, Djimon Hounsou, Leslie Hope, Cam Gigandet, Evan Peters, Wyatt Smith; D: Jeff Wadlow; W: Chris Hauty; C: Lukas Ettlin; M: Michael Wandmacher.