Knockout (2011)

Genre: Drama

Directed by: Anne Wheeler

Cast: Steve Austin, Daniel Magder, Jaren Brandt Bartlett

Running time: 91 minutes

Matthew Miller is the new kid in town, as he is moving with his mom in her new man’s house. As he starts school, Matthew soon becomes a favorite target of bullies. Though he’s the grandson of a former boxer and a big fan of boxing, he has never learned to stand up for himself and fight, having been sick as a child. Dan Barnes, the school janitor, who was a boxer himself in his younger days, sees something special in Matthew and takes him under his wing.

From the way this movie was shot to the acting and the script, this totally has the feel of a TV movie-of-the-week. It is meant to inspire, but the ending, though predictable, is totally impossible. It makes no sense whatsoever. As for the acting, it is cheesy as heck.

As a wrestling fan, I saw this film because of Steve Austin’s presence. Well, I have seen better performances from the old Stone Cold. He is much better suited as an action star than as an inspirational coach. Maybe if he was given better material, he would do better. But, the script for Knockout is so cheesy it should be melted in some macaroni. Skip this one, unless you are starved for punishment.

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