Fist Fight (2017) Review

By Judith Raymer   X Formly Known as Twitter
4 Min Read

Ice Cube and Charlie Day capture the essence of educators that has been broken down by the system and the limitations placed upon instructors.

Fist Fight (2017) Review
Purchase   Physical Media
Parking lot.  After school.  3pm.  Think you've seen it?  Think again.  Fist Fight stars Ice Cube (Boys n the Hood; Friday) and Charlie Day (Horrible Bosses; It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia) as high school teachers readying to draw fists at the end of the day.  Directed by Richie Keen (It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia), Fist Fight is a very funny take with a few subtle statements along the way.

The film makes sure to maintain its patience out of the gate.  There's a lot going on when teacher Andy Campbell (Day) walks through the doors on the last day of school (being married to a public school teacher, the look on his face and those words muttered under his breath are all too familiar).  It's the last day of school, and Campbell is just looking to make it to the end of the school year that's just a few short hours away.  What could possibly go wrong? In spite of the action, the film feels as if it's slowly easing into itself.  Yet, the laughter is fairly immediate and continues throughout the film.  Charlie Day and Ice Cube (as Ron Strickland) strut their comedic timing, and elevate physical comedy above mere slapstick.  Given their talent, and the enjoyable chemistry shared on screen, it was long overdue that these two be paired up.  Memorable lines scattered throughout the film inevitably provoke audible laughter, and they don't all come from Day and Cube.

Not to take away from these two (back on them shortly), but I can't continue without mentioning Jillian Bell (22 Jumpstreet; Workaholics).  How is she not a household name by now? Bell as Counselor Holly has many of the most memorable lines sure to be quoted in perpetuity.  Make no mistake, Bell's presence does not rely solely on the delivery of the writer's work.  Scene after scene in which she appears, her mere presence is enough.  A straight stare can bring you to laugh, but it's the nuances, such as when Day questions her use of meth, that highlight her comedic prowess.

Sure, Kym Whitley (I Love You, Man; Black Dynamite) as a 911 operator gets a lot of trailer play, but that's not even the funniest part/line of the movie.  The trailer is fun and funny.  All too often, we're hooked by the trailer only to arrive in the theater and discover that we have already seen the best of the the movie... the funniest lines... the most attention-grabbing scenes.  Not here.  The film delivers far more than the trailer has to offer.

Tracy Morgan (30 Rock; Saturday Night Live) as Coach Rawlins coaches Campbell in more than just schoolyard fights with a sincerity that exists in, though might not be expected, of our educators.  Morgan brings his brand of funny, keeping things safe but solid in his first film role following his 2014 crash.  Kumail Najiani (Silicon Valley) stays true to character with very real life like quotes spun into a dry, ironic humor, while Christina Hendricks (Mad Men; Drive) goes a little too over the top in her darkly humorous role.  

Alexa Nisenson (Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life) is charmingly delightful in her turn as Campbell's daughter.  She appears throughout the film - her focus on her school talent show performance (which WILL NOT disappoint and is certain to make some parents proud).

This is not a message movie, and having one will not throw a bucket of ice on this hilariously entertaining film.  However, amidst the laughter are some harsh realities.  There's the sensationalism created by social media and the phenomenon of posting fights.  From the hype surrounding the event (#fistfight frenzy builds throughout the film, extending far outside the school itself) to the actual event, everyone is drawn in.

Ice Cube and Charlie Day capture the essence of educators that has been broken down by the system and the limitations placed upon instructors.  While their characters appear to be incredibly different people, they are quite alike.  At the very core, they are both passionate teachers committed and devoted to making a difference and reaching their students.  It is an admirable quality all too often diminished by the testing metrics being applied with broad strokes, and the very real possibility of losing one's job.  The anger, hostility and, ultimately, the fight, are the culmination of two peers pitted against each other by the administrative puppets of education.  

Dean Norris (Breaking Bad) and Dennis Haysbert (The Unit) brilliantly satirize the exertion of power over others.  They bring hilarity to what would otherwise be great discomfort.  Of course, the statements and messages in this movie will be far more evident to those vested in the education system in some manner.  Still, they, along with the rest of the audience, will be laughing out loud, putting a hand over their mouths for many a scene, and quoting dialogue for days (years?) to come. Don't be deterred by some "meaning".  Laughter is the intention and achievement of this film.  It is destined to be one those you pop in when you need to let go and laugh.

Grade: A

 
Cast:
Directed By:
MPAA Rating: R
Running Time: 91 minutes
Distributed By: Warner Bros.

Stream from Amazon Prime
Watch

For more information about Fist Fight visit the FlickDirect Movie Database. For more reviews by Judith Raymer please click here.

Fist Fight images are courtesy of Warner Bros.. All Rights Reserved.


Judith Raymer is an accomplished correspondent with a lifelong passion for film and media productions. Her dedication to storytelling and unique perspective have led her to produce some of the most memorable media productions of our time. Judith's daily impromptu interpretations of Marvel characters have helped her reconnect with the entertainment industry, and she is dedicated to promoting the Bohemian ideals of truth, beauty, freedom, and love. Today, Judith is regarded as one of the most respected correspondents in the industry.


Read More Fist Fight Reviews

Physical Media: Blu-ray Review
While not a unique concept, the movie has some great lines and laugh out loud moments. I promise you, it picks up 30 minutes before the end of the movie and slides into home plate for a home run of an ending.
Full Review | Grade: C


SPONSORED LINKS

Today's Digital HD DealsView All

The Thing
The Thing
WAS: $14.99
NOW: $4.99
The Fault in Our Stars
The Fault in Our Stars
WAS: $19.99
NOW: $4.99
Stronger
Stronger
WAS: $14.99
NOW: $9.99


Latest ReviewsView All

The Terminator
Physical Media: 4K UHD Review
Nov 17, 2024 EST
Gladiator II
Movie / Film Review
Nov 21, 2024 EST
Blazing Saddles
Physical Media: 4K UHD Review
Nov 25, 2024 EST