REVIEW – “Fist Fight” KOs itself Too Early

fistfight
fistfight

by Joe Hammerschmidt

In realizing Richie Keen’s feature directorial debut “Fist Fight” was essentially a loose-fitting remake of the 80s-teen comedy “Three O’clock High”, viewing it ultimately gave off the feeling that had this indirect offshoot been made 30 years ago, the modern digital cam style would’ve been lost, with the off-the-wall premise having more than made up for any clear shortfalls. However, with most raunch-based comedies nowadays, it’s the reverse; what would’ve made for one among the best comedies of the 80s is instead a rather tepid, unmemorable bit of basic cable filler, with all the A- listed comedy performers in tow, yet lacking in either charm or dignity.

Andy Campbell (Charlie Day) is a spineless English teacher under threat of losing his job at an Atlanta high-school in need of serious budget slashes. Much like any of his more confident peers, gym teacher/janitor Freddie (Tracy Morgan), drama maven Miss Money (Christina Hendricks), flirty counselor Holly (Jillian Bell), and no-nonsense history instructor/our antagonist Mr. Strickland (Ice Cube), Andy is simply unexempt for the pendulum of ruin; more so with a loving wife (Joanna Garcia Swisher) and young daughter (Alexa Nisenson) to care for, and another on the way. The last day of the year brings an administration under ruin, multiple senior pranks (many of which fail to lend much to the motion of the plot), and a string of hard-to-accept emotions, among which fear, jealousy and the pain of rivalry. Campbell, ever the scornful coward uses his leverage to force Strickland’s termination amidst the pranks. Strickland responds irrationally by challenging Campbell to a fight in the parking lot as the final bell is rung.

Much of the middle third is Campbell going to extreme lengths to escape his appointment, and after a while the energy Day himself exhumes through the various antics involved; a faulty drug bust led by rent-a-cop Mehar (Kumail Nanjiani), random Apple product placement and intense Model U.N. conversations. The supporting performers leave enough of their own natural ability on the table, though still come short in contributing to the forcibly quick pacing of the story. Bell and Morgan could’ve stood to be involved slightly more, maybe added to Campbell’s conflict more convincingly; yet it is Dean Norris as the misguided principal who feels confident enough about acting the scene without fear of reprisal. He may be a convincing leader at a failing school here, but at least he seems comfortable enough to enjoy the role.

The most effective portion of this drab 90-minute comedic traffic stop is the fight itself, to which the plot devotes about six to. I didn’t enjoy the sequence so much for the level of violence in play, but for mostly how each shot appeared to compliment the rigorous fight choreography both Cube and Day, I assume, had to personally undergo for the benefit of squeezing out every possible gag from what is otherwise a fully dried-out lemon. Summing up, this film is simply another case of Hollywood getting away with another cash grab, utilizing highly talented comic actors and actresses for a script that must’ve been far more hilarious on paper. After seeing much of the same kind of studio comedy in the last year or so, I long so much for whatever the bigwigs could agree to greenlighting back in the heyday of real teen comedies. “Fist Fight” belongs in that pantheon, back when ideas were still all the fresher. Now, such ideas are only saved for when imagination is left to die in the grease pit. It was all the right people for the wrong movie at the wrong time; everyone involved delivered, with some small semblance of humor; yet at a time when comedy is slowly adopting a more high-brow aptitude (at least, in this reviewer’s opinion), this is easily two steps back when it could’ve been a half-step forward. Any fans of the stars will have fun, while everyone should consider the original “Three O’clock High” instead. Almost the same movie, just less pass its expiration date. (C-)

[Note: I should point out the theater holding the press screening had messed up with the aspect ratio during the film, presenting it in scope instead of its intended taller “flat” ratio, which is what you should expect to see if you view this film theatrically. I would’ve complained to the manager, but likely not much point. Surely, it was an honest mistake that employees will keep a more watchful eye on in future.]
“Fist Fight” opens Friday 2/17 at most area theaters; rated R for language throughout, sexual content/nudity and drug material; 90 minutes