So often in life we pause and wonder what it would have been like if we made some different decisions. Many of us had dreams of greatness in our youth that gave way to the stability required but adult responsibilities. Over the years there have been many films that have dealt with this subject. Most are the type that is typically described as ‘a feel good flick’. You all know the kind of movie; the protagonist is a down trodden sort of fellow who has a good job but one that doesn’t satisfy him. He manages to break away from the doldrums of his life and follow his dream. ‘Rocky’ was such a flick. Taking the premise to a darker direction was another classic, ‘American Beauty’. A new variation of the theme is now out on DVD, ‘The Hammer’. In this flick a carpenter wants to be a professional boxer. I can understand this desire in theory but why anyone would want to give up a lucrative union trade like carpentry to step into a ring and get punched is beyond my own idea of chasing your dream. Still, it is a viable plot and for a lot of people something that completely makes sense. What you get with this film is a comedy that has heart. While it will never appear on anyone’s top ten lists it is a fun movie to watch. Sometimes it is okay to take a subject that is usually handled in a more serious vein and poke a little fun at it. The DVD of this film is being released by Genius Pictures and the Weinstein Company. While not intended for the whole family it is just the silly kind of flick that can help you out your own work-a-day woes to the side for a little while.

When I first received the preview of this movie I thought it was just another man goes out for his sports world glory movie. When I then noticed that it was co-written by and starred Adam Carolla I thought to myself that this is going to be juvenile nonsense. I have to admit that I was pleasantly surprise just how good this movie actually was. The main reason for this initial judgment should be obvious for anyone who has seen the previous works of Mr. Carolla. He is usually rude, crude, socially unacceptable and extremely politically incorrect. From his snide comments in his sex advice show, ‘Lovelines’ to the misogynistic comments on ‘The Man Show’ he never came across as a man who can write comedy such as is demonstrated in this film. He furthered this opinion with his work of two of the most explicit series on Comedy Central, ‘Crank Yankers’ and ‘Drawn Together’. With this script Carolla shows a much different side to his talent. He was always funny in the same way that the kid in junior high school was when he told the first dirty jokes you ever heard. The thing is Carolla demonstrates something that turns out to be true a lot. The comedian with the lowest form of humor is frequently smart and witty in other ways. Just look at W.C. Fields. He was crude by the standards of his day but in real life the man was smart and one of the sharpest comedians around. Here he takes his deadpan approach to humor and twists it around so that the audience actually finds itself caring about what happens to the lug in the movie. he co-authored the script with Kevin Hench who has previously worked as a producer for several projects with Coralla and his long time friend Jimmy Kimmel. Together they created a story that works well. First of all the story is not pretension; it has not intent on being great. They wanted to make something that will give the audience a good time and reach that goal well. This is so much better than all the film out to reinvent cinema that never reach their potential. This is a blue collar story that most people will readily identify with.

Directing this modest movie is Charles Herman-Wurmfeld. He is best known for taking the helm in the Indy darling ‘Kissing Jessica Stein’. He also directed a failed TV plot of ‘Legal Blonde’ and after that the sequel ‘Legally Blonde 2: Red, White and Blonde’. He also worked with series like ‘Stella’ and ‘So NoTORIous’ the man knows his way around people skilled in strange improvisational skills. Here he has a laid back style reminiscent of some of the older independent films. Nothing is forced or contrived. The movie is paced in a relaxed fashion that draws the viewers in and holds them there. Herman-Wurmfeld doesn’t rely on the usual Indy director’s tricks with fancy camera work or stunning use of lighting. There is such a natural feel here that you get the sense of eavesdropping on the characters.

Jerry Ferro (Adam Carolla) is a carpenter by trade. At one time he was a contender in the boxing ring. He never forgot the thrill and excitement that the sport brought to him. Now the closest thing he has to connect him to those old glory days is a part time job teaching boxing at a local gym. One day he has a training bout with a promising young boxer and much to his delight and surprise he wins. The bout was seen by a trainer, Eddie Bell (Tom Quinn), who sees something still there in Jerry. This gives him the idea to train for the American Olympic boxing team. His best friend Oswaldo Sánchez (Oswaldo Castillo) gets on board and offers his help in training Jerry and providing the often needed encouragement. This decision doesn’t sit well with the top contender Robert Brown (Harold House Moore) who wants nothing more than to see this nobody fall flat on his face and fail.

Admittedly this is not the most complex story out there. Holding the film together are the many sight gags and physical humor which is nearly perfectly executed. Most think of Carolla as a verbally based comedian but this flick shows he knows his way around this physically demanding brand of humor. The main thing in this movie’s corner is the commitment Carolla has for it. Reportedly he put up a lot of his own money to make sure there was a limited theatrical release instead of going direct to video. He also does what any writer will tell you is key to a good story; write about what you know. Among the myriad of jobs Carolla has held in his life he was a carpenter. He actually built the gym used in the movie. He also was an armature boxer and Golden Glove contender. This made it a lot easier for Carolla for fit so seamlessly into this role.

Genius Productions and the Weinstein Company bring this to DVD with the flair it deserves. It features an anamorphic video accompanied by a Dolby 5.1 soundtrack. Both are excellent. As for extras there are more than enough to keep you happy. There is a very funny and informative commentary track with Carolla and co-executive producer Kevin Hench. Another featurette offers a little talk with Carolla and Oswaldo Castillo that will make you laugh out loud. Add to this some deleted scenes and outtakes and a behind the scenes look and you have a very entertaining evening. This may seem strange but this is one to take home and enjoy.