SnoReptilePlenty Memorable, crazy movie

Noutions Good movie, but best of all time? Hardly . . .

Baseshment I like movies that are aware of what they are selling... without [any] greater aspirations than to make people laugh and that's it.

Candida It is neither dumb nor smart enough to be fun, and spends way too much time with its boring human characters.

Eric Curto I recently watched this on Netflix and was blown away at how well the film was made, it took great care into portraying the world that Matt must live in everyday, while still presenting it accessible to those who can hear. The actor portraying Matt seemed born to play the role, it does help that he is a deaf actor, so his only difficulty had to have been portraying the athletic part. The rest of the cast compliment the film nicely, especially his roommate, his girlfriend and his Grandfather. The biggest applaud I give this film was the director's use of sound, a lot of the time we are given subtitles to show their use of signing and muddled sounds to show his POV of the world, I love the scene when he and Kristi are at the river/bridge and the sound is completely taken away for at least 5 minutes, the sound of the water rushing comes in and it is an incredible show of the difference in worlds. I'm used to reading subtitles as I watch them on foreign films/TV shows as well as just have them on with my DVD's in case I can't hear something right, so I was drawn into this pictures use. I'm not a huge wrestling fan(anymore, look what WWE has done to it)and never really got into UFC, but I congratulate the filmmakers on a great film and the real life Matt Hamill on all his accomplishments

mclmmm 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.

kjh11485 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!

juliusamaya1 At first glance, "The Hammer" is your typical sports underdog movie with classic clichés such as fan chants and the big fight or game at the movie's conclusion. But taking a closer look at the film, you discover that it makes a cultural cross-over into the hearing and Deaf world with its innovative use of open-caption during the first half of the movie and sub-titles in the second half. The audience is fully engaged throughout the film.The deaf actors who portrayed their respective real-life counter parts were phenomenal but "Matt Hamill," played by Russell Harvard, stole the film. Harvard's likability and charismatic smile simply leap out of the film and into your heart. His on screen chemistry with "Kristi" played by Shoshannah Stern was also sincere and memorable. Furthermore, Harvard moves gracefully and with strong purpose during the wrestling scenes and was completely believable.The real Matt Hamill who during his formative years was trained in lip-reading by his grandfather Stanley, played by Raymond J. Barry, strongly encouraged the young Hamill to assimilate into the auditory mainstream. The old school "tough love" approach forced Hamill to accept the notion that he "was no different than anyone else." But in reality, he was different and needed a support system that understood his struggles and worldview. Harvard beautifully depicted Hamill's struggle to remain loyal to his grandfather's values while at the same time entering a new epoch at Rochester Institute of Technology.Cinematographer David Rom's artistic fingerprint added emotional balance to the film's scenes. A balance needed in most sports underdog films, which have a tendency to become extremely saturated with emotion-laced scenes. The movie as a whole was very memorable and enjoyable and has positive message that can be appreciate by both the Deaf and hearing communities.