The Fighters 2 - Beatdown

The first "Never Back Down" was a MTV inspired version of "Karate Tiger meets Beverly Hills 90210" with a lot of good looking kids (Amber Heard being one of them), some nice fight and training sequences and tons of bad acting and a cheesy script. Never Back Down 2 offers more of the same. Instead of suffering trough the "emotional journey" of one character, the focus is on 4 of them, everyone's motivations and storyline being a thin as the piece of paper, that one characters is hitting for 80 minutes (don't ask, watch it and you'll know). However the fights and training montages are great (especially the sequences with MJW, moving impressively fluid for a guy of his size, and the rad capoeira dances of Meraz) and MJW is as charismatic as ever in this underwritten role as a mentor with a troubled past. Overall the movie is enjoyable if you're not expecting too much and are a fan of MMA-related movies or of cheesy, "so bad that it's fun" 80's karate flicks.

I was a huge fan of the original "Never Back Down", therefore was looking forward to seeing this follow-up.

In terms of the plot, it is painfully similar to the original, however this is not necessarily a bad thing, as, surprisingly, the same, predictable story line is still entertaining second-time-round. In addition to this, the characters are very similar to those in the first film in many respects, just with a few fresh ideas being introduced.

The action itself is strong; combat is well-acted and every fight scene is relatively convincing, therefore the film succeeds in, arguably, its key area.

In addition to this, Jai White is brilliant and after being impressed by his performance in "Blood and Bone", I was pleasantly surprised to see that his ability has not halted. Furthermore, despite being unsure about his ability as a director, I was equally impressed.

Overall, fans of the original who desire a similar dose of mixed martial arts action, or those who want an enjoyable, solid, MMA-based drama and are not concerned about a lack of depth or originality, should probably give this movie a try, however I'd advise watching the original first, as it is undoubtedly superior.

Never Back Down 2 (2011) | My Rating☛ 5/10 Director: Michael Jai White Writer: Chris Hauty Stars: Stacey Asaro, Gralen Bryant Banks and Rus Blackwell 103 min- Action

What a waste of time....There was nothing in this movie other than Michael Jai White one single fight with the cops. Acting was way below than one could imagine except Michael Jai White. As far as Michael Jai White debut Direction he was OK but still a long way to go. The story goes like this Four fighters different backgrounds come together to train under an ex MMA rising star (Michael Jai White) and then ultimately have to fight each other and the traitor in heir midst. This movie can only be tolerated by those who love to see anything called "action" and die hard fan of MJW. Rest of the people plz don't bother to see.

hot chick or 2, fights were OK but not as good as the first film except for the fight where Michael Jai White is hand cuffed and fights off 4 or 5 police men showing his agility. there was some character development but not much, clumsy dialogue - not a lot of complete or realistic conversations, mildly entertaining though i wouldn't watch it twice like you can with some classic martial arts films. Some big plot holes like how a teenage boxer became a mix martial arts fighter with only a few weeks training....... hopefully kids out there don't think that's realistic! they all looked a bit young for MMA - kind of boyband MMA haha

the faults aside it was likable and i was entertained!

"An angry mind is a narrow mind." Four teenagers who need an outlet begin to train with ex-UFC fighter Case (White). After one of them betrays the group it is up to the other three to get revenge at the "Beatdown." After liking the first one more then I thought I would I was looking forward to this one. While I did like this movie it was more of a remake then a sequel. Instead of the main characters dad dying he leaves his mom. Instead of the trainer getting in a fight with his brother and living alone he has a run in with the law...and lives alone. The main character liking a fellow fighters girl is in this one, along with a line about Kurt Cobain. There really is not much different in this movie, except the fighting is more professional. Saying all that though, I did like this movie. Overall, a near replica of the first one. If you liked that one you will like this one. I give it a B.

Would I watch again? - I don't know, maybe.

*Also try - Never Back Down