Plot
A retired boxer tries to help a new student, Matthew Miller (Daniel Magder), who is being targeted by bullies. While learning to box and stand up to his tormentors the young boxer must learn to overcome his tumultuous past.

Release Year: 2011

Rating: 4.7/10 (737 voted)

Director: Anne Wheeler

Stars: Steve Austin, Daniel Magder, Janet Kidder

Storyline
Dan Barnes (Steve Austin) is a former pro boxer who retired after growing weary of his violent existence. Now a school janitor, Dan tries to help a new student, Matthew Miller (Daniel Magder), who is being targeted by bullies. While Matthew learns how to box and stand up to his tormentors, one of whom is the school boxing champ (Jaren Brandt Bartlett), Dan's new found role as a teacher helps him come to terms with his tumultuous past.

Writers: Evan Jacobs, Jack Nasser

Cast:
Steve Austin - Dan Barnes
Daniel Magder - Matthew Miller
Janet Kidder - Christine Miller
Emma Grabinsky - Ruby
Jaren Brandt Bartlett - Hector Torres
Samuel Patrick Chu - Nick Wirthlin
Sean Devine - Jacob Miller
Roman Podhora - Coach Harward (as Roman Podhura)
Tess Atkins - Teresa Terrel
Julian Domingues - Joe Fielder
Catherine Lough Haggquist - Principal Lee (as Catherine Lough Hagquist)
Scott Hylands - Grandfather Charlie Putman
Adrian Formosa - Avery
Jay Jauncey - Ray
Benjamin Ratner - Mr. Doyle (as Ben Ratner)

Release Date: 3 Jan 2011

Filming Locations: Aldergrove, British Columbia, Canada

Box Office Details

Budget: $1,000,000 (estimated)

Recyclable material, but with charm and true heart that raises the overall product.

Rating: 7/10

Sometimes enjoyment can stem from your level of initial expectations. I try to remain open minded when I'm viewing a movie, but it's hard to completely keep out certain things. Even though I've seen better movies recently, I felt obligated to comment on this one, due to the preconceived notions one might have. If you take it for what it is, you'll be satisfied.

When I first started "Knockout", I mostly expected a highly predictable experience which would essentially leave me empty handed. Although it did turn out to be predictable, I was won over by the enormous sense of warmth and the sincerity of the actors. This is basically another take on the underdog story, which means there's an obvious inspirational tone hanging in certain scenes. But despite the presentation of certain scenes, I felt like it wasn't overdone for the most part. I was even slightly touched during a few moments, even if they weren't entirely original.

Steve Austin was surprisingly comfortable in this role. He projects an enormous feeling of kindness all throughout the picture. As for Daniel Magder, he started off rocky, but as his character progressed, his earlier choices started to make sense. The actor who plays the childishly maniacal Hector also deserves a mention. Even though the character is one dimensional, he manages to believably embrace the bully role.

All and all, this is an example of a movie rising above the material in order to bring the viewer with a fairly delightful experience.

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