Here Comes the Boom

A high-school teacher (Kevin James) springs into action on behalf of his school’s music teacher (Henry Winkler), whose job is about to be eliminated by their cash-strapped school. James’ plan: to raise the needed money by becoming a mixed-martial arts fighter. Try to imagine a bizarre hybrid of Rocky, Warrior and Mr. Holland’s Opus produced by Adam Sandler and directed by Frank Coraci—the accomplice in several of Sandler’s cinematic crimes—then you’ll have an idea of this dim-bulb rabble-rousing comedy. Fortunately, it’s not as bad as it might have been, mainly thanks to James—who co-wrote with Allan Loeb and Rock Reuben, and who brings a surprising hangdog dignity to his performance (more than the movie deserves). There are a few hearty laughs scattered here and there, and Salma Hayek for romance.