Education worth fighting for

Here Comes the Boom (12a)
Running time 105 minutes
Rating:***
When schools find themselves a little short of ready cash, the answer – sometimes – is to change the name, change the headteacher, and try to hang the word ‘Academy’ over the gate.
This, it is said, might help to cure financial ills by attracting mountains of money from The Govinator up in London.
In America, they do things differently. Teachers there take a more hands-on attitude to budgetary problems, at least they do if the tutor involvement in Here Comes the Boom is to be believed.
The Boom, for the uninitiated, is a term in a piece of rap, which is used by biology teacher Scott Voss (Kevin James) as his theme tune when he takes to the octagonal ring as a cage fighter for the sake of his school.
Scott used to be a good teacher, but lost his enthusiasm along the way, not helped by cold and calculating Principal Betcher. However, when he sees the devotion of the music students under their inspirational teacher Marty (Henry Winkler), he starts appreciating the benefits of following a passion.
But when budget cuts mean music dropping out of the curriculum, he decides to fight for his friend. Getting into a ring with men 20 years younger, and lots fitter, seems a good idea for a while, until they start punching him in the face.
But then, earning 750 dollars for getting beaten up is not a bad deal, especially as Scott teaches in Boston, where it’s possible to get beaten up for nothing if you really want.
The fighting impresses the students, who had despaired of a teacher who slept behind his desk, and mightily impresses young and attractive fellow teacher Bella (Salma Hayek), who pretends not to like him. Even losing and coming in with plasters on the face works for Scott’s street credibility.
Eventually, it all works out for the best in a rousing and sentimental climax that is typical Hollywood schmaltz.
As you can tell, this film is not subtle, neither is it deeply attached to reality, but despite these flaws, there are nice moments and the snappy dialogue is entertaining.
Director Frank Coraci (Round the World in 80 Days) keeps the storyline humming along, helped by muscular men straight from the cage fighting scene. They may not be able to act much, but they are naturals when it comes to looking fierce.
Here Comes the Boom is harmless family entertainment, and with school and college open days coming up, now may be the time for parents to ask teachers what they are prepared to do for their school or college.