The Hammer (2010)

Don't listen to the Hype. It's awful

Pretty good movie overall. First half was nothing special but it got better as it went along.

Let me be very fair here, this is not the best movie in my opinion. But, this movie is fun, it has purpose and is very enjoyable to watch.

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

Yeah, I spell that wrong intentionally. Why? Well because the movie is about a deaf guy which is something we don't often see movies about.It's based on the life of professional wrestler/fighter Mark 'The Hammer' Hamill.The build of the movie however is a bit more typical for the sports-genre and perhaps it could have had a little more edge at times (gets a little Lifetime movie like occasionally), but it's still worth seeing for sure.All deaf roles are played by actual deaf people as well which is pretty cool and gives you an insight of how deaf people react with one another, not all that much different from us with hearing.Standouts include Russel Howard in the lead and Shoshanna Stern (who's sort of the it-girl when it comes to def actresses you probably recognize her from a TV-series Jericho and Weeds) and Michael Anthony Spade.Rating a 7, really close to giving it a 8 though I might change it at one point we will see. A really strong 7 if nothing else.

I've watched many wrestling films and documentaries, but this by far is my favorite. If you enjoyed the '80s film Vision Quest, you will definitely fall in love with The Hammer. This film takes the "NO EXCUSES" theme to another level. Though the protagonist is hard of hearing, he never allowed for his disability to define what he was capable of accomplishing. This film is based on a true story, which makes the themes and story line hit home a bit more. This film is appropriate for everyone, especially those who are in need of a little inspiration. There is also a love story, like with most biographical films, which essentially can turn this into a romantic movie night. In addition, this film gives you a sneak peak into the world of those who are hard of hearing.

This movie is awesome. It is impossible not to be inspired after seeing this movie and hearing the story of Matt Hamill.That coming from someone who personally knows him. I have known about his story since I was a young kid because he grew up in the same town I did and seeing the movie was still a moving experience. Definitely recommend this for kids and adults with and without a disability.Everyone should go out and see this movie. I promise you will enjoy every second of it!

Hamill did something no other movie has ever done. It is no small feat to make the audience cry at a movie, nor is it easy to bring a cast of actors alive to where you genuinely care about the characters being portrayed. Those are all hard things to do and are necessary for a great movie... but they are not unique. The genius of Hamill was the ability to place the hearing audience in a deaf perspective. It reminded me of Momento. You're watching a movie and then all of a sudden you're missing a few words here and there, you know something juicy is happening, but you can't hear. In many ways, the deaf audience has an easier time following the movie than the hearing. Nonetheless, the movie was a fun story with an amazing supporting cast... ESPECIALLY MICHAEL SPADY!