The Hammer kinda surprised me. I knew it'd be good, but not this good. I mean most inspirational movies are good and professionally portrayed. Also, let me say that I am a fan of the UFC. I know of Matt Hammil from the Ultimate Fighter and in his career in the UFC. I highly respect his talent and skill, so reinforce the fact all the obstacles he's had to overcome has made this movie that much more uplifting. I believe this movies is good enough to be nominated for a major award, but I don't hold any weight in the industry so....anyway. I'm in the process of watching it now, and had to get an IMDb account just to do this review. TWO THUMBS UP!! Oh yeah, I have a deaf uncle and I'm sure he'd appreciate this film.
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colvin-leola1 August 2013
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LOL101LOL25 June 2013I have been fan of the UFC for some years now, it has some great characters, some of the fighters did it the real hard way to get to the top of the sport, and The Hammer is one of them! I grew up with my cousin who was born deaf, so I sort of know what Matt had to deal with, but like Matt my cousin was great at most things he had a go at, my cousin even got married and has 3 beautiful kids, something I never got the courage to do! What I liked about this film was that there was a lot of effort put in to try and make you feel and see what it must be like to be deaf, the story flows at a nice pace, and has a solid cast.
Give this film a go, even if you are not into MMA, you will still feel like a champ watching Matt become The Hammer! A solid 8 out of 10, HI5 -
The Hammer (Hamill): This one s not just an another movie i saw ...This one is different and i will suggest to all my friends its a must watch. This movie first of all shows a rare subject (deaf people ) and spread a massage and positive energy. I prefer to watch Biopics and for sure this will gonna remain one of my beat pick...As it's a story of a deaf child who always treated as a normal guy by his grandfather and it shows how difficult things for him just cz he is deaf. This movie is about his struggle in his life to accomplish what he born for ...His grandfather was last wrestler who made up to NCC finals and now he wants his grandson to do same here starts the story of Matt Hamill's life. In his early life he treated and educated as a normal child which helps him to b better then others however there was so many barriers in his life cz of that .....his prom such a disaster then his scholarship denied just cz he s not able to retain his GPA and he almost gave up . Then his grandfather (Raymond J. Barry did a great job in terms of acting ) told him that he has the ability to do what he want to do and he should stop felling sorry for him. Second attempt and from here his life change he becomes a wrestler and favorite in college and he really worked hard . Then he beat two times champion in his weight category and become first deaf NCC champion. Really Fantastic scenery of America ,really touching story ,amazing direction and tremendous acting performance made this film really special . this movie gives us inspiration and power and teaches us that every one has equal opportunity and rights in this society and sometimes we need to treat people with some extra care . This movie is simply amazing and decrease the barriers between deaf and hearing and tell us if u remain focus one can achieve what all he/she wants. Best direction by Oren Kaplanand acting was awesome . Russell Harvard,Raymond J. Barry,Michael Anthony Spady was simply best ,
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juliusamaya118 November 2011At 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. -
Seth_Rogue_One30 December 2016Yeah, I spell that wrong intentionally. Why? Well because the movie is about a deaf guy which is something we don't often see movies about.
It's based on the life of professional wrestler/fighter Mark 'The Hammer' Hamill.
The build of the movie however is a bit more typical for the sports-genre and perhaps it could have had a little more edge at times (gets a little Lifetime movie like occasionally), but it's still worth seeing for sure.
All deaf roles are played by actual deaf people as well which is pretty cool and gives you an insight of how deaf people react with one another, not all that much different from us with hearing.
Standouts include Russel Howard in the lead and Shoshanna Stern (who's sort of the it-girl when it comes to def actresses you probably recognize her from a TV-series Jericho and Weeds) and Michael Anthony Spade.
Rating a 7, really close to giving it a 8 though I might change it at one point we will see. A really strong 7 if nothing else. -
SnoopyStyle18 September 2016Matt Hamill (Russell Harvard) is born deaf. He is raised by his single-mom and his grandfather Stanley Leroy McCoy (Raymond J. Barry). His grandfather refuses to accept his deafness and pushes Matt in life including into wrestling. Matt is bullied which often leads to violence. He asks Michelle to prom but it does not go well. His Purdue college life goes badly and he ends up working at the garage for his grandfather. He goes to Rochester Institute of Technology and has roommate Jay 'Mr. Clean' Jakubowski as best friend. He starts dating deaf activist Kristi Jones (Shoshannah Stern) as he works to be a National Collegiate Champion.
This is a biopic of a niche personality done in a relative standard straight forward way. It's an interesting life but not necessarily world shattering. The most interesting part is his deafness. The first intriguing scene is Matt trying to follow Michelle and her girlfriend's conversation in the car. It's a small window into his world. It also shows a possible way to make this movie truly original. It could make this an immersive world where the audience gets to feel with Matt as much as follow his life. In that way, the prom incident works well. Raymond J. Barry is great and Russell Harvard is a functional deaf actor. -
pslaw1014 November 2010This is a movie the deaf have been awaiting for decades but it will be seen by everyone as a very special movie for decades to come. Fantastic panoramic scenes of Americana, a custom made score that brings emotion and incredible depth to a simple well written story, a twist on the use of subtitles that doesn't interfere with the viewing at all, and a subject matter that transcends sport, this movie brings people together and inspires like no other. The fact that the deaf and hearing worlds can equally enjoy this movie makes viewing it in a crowded theater a social experience like no other. "Hamill" will forever be looked at as an example of the power of simplicity and heart.
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chainsawhand23 November 2010Hamill is a simple story, well told.
Matt Hamill was born a deaf child in a hearing community. With a powerful mentor in the form of his loving grandfather, played with grit and heart by the wonderful Raymond J. Barry, and a supportive family, he grew up different, fighting (often literally) for acceptance and inclusion, throughout his school career. Matt never truly belonged until he became an adopted member of the Deaf community at the Rochester Institute of Technology, where the film shows him growing as an athlete and a person, leading to an epic and emotional finale.
Audiences will settle in quickly to the traditional biopic formula, but in this case, the formula does not restrict the filmmakers, but rather frees them to use innovative techniques in service to the story. The practice of subtitling the entire film is inclusive, and in and of itself brings the audience together in a shared experience. Multiple layers of commentary are laced throughout the tightly constructed screenplay, bringing issues such as bullying, alienation and angst, and the need for acceptance and inclusion, into the story.
Hamill is, in many ways, the first film of it's type, and has been long awaited in the Deaf community. It's a powerful and moving true story, and we can all see ourselves reflected in it. -
dgeiger823 November 2011I took two hours train to see this movie in New York City. I felt that this movie is very powerful to tell a story about deaf culture and wrestler who was deaf from birth. This movie can show what it is like being deaf and hard of hearing person. I wish movie chains can run more show times and theaters. I suggested my friends who are not deaf to go see that movie but they said there is no show times in their local movie theaters. Switched at Birth is television programming that has many great examples of deaf culture. I definitely recommended everybody to go see this movie. Matt Hamill is a perfect role model for deaf community. Deaf doesn't mean we cannot do anything like wrestling, playing sports and getting a job.
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skyloki-20-82524325 February 2012I know many people on here are writing rave reviews. Talking about how beautifully this film was made. And, I will agree, there were certainly some shining moments, especially with the sound editing.
The thing I had the most difficulty with, was the accuracy. I went looking to see the true story of Matt, and the things he went through. But there were so many things that were wrong (fact wise) that it's hard to know what was real and what was fiction.
I went to school with Matt, graduated in 1993. I personally know many of the people that were in the film. None of them were remotely close to their real life counterparts. Mike Rich, for one, was not even on the same page. Pat Hamill, Janet, and even Stan (his grandfather) were not given anything close to their real personalities either. And the town of Loveland, they made it laughable. There aren't (and weren't) miles and miles of corn. It isn't some one horse hick town as we would be lead to believe. I'm not saying every detail needs to be kept. But at least one would be nice. Do a little research, or at least try to make it look like you did.
Another complaint I have, is for the first half of the film, even though they clearly say he is deaf, they treat him as if he's mentally handicapped. Matt, from what I know of him, was never stupid. People weren't embarrassed by him. I always saw him as respected and well liked.
My final thought is this, the movie's message is great, and I guess that's what's the most important with a film like this. But it had potential to be so much better, and I think Matt deserves a better representation of his life, than what this film has given him. -
jdelshad22 November 2010Hamill did something no other movie has ever done. It is no small feat to make the audience cry at a movie, nor is it easy to bring a cast of actors alive to where you genuinely care about the characters being portrayed. Those are all hard things to do and are necessary for a great movie... but they are not unique.
The genius of Hamill was the ability to place the hearing audience in a deaf perspective. It reminded me of Momento. You're watching a movie and then all of a sudden you're missing a few words here and there, you know something juicy is happening, but you can't hear. In many ways, the deaf audience has an easier time following the movie than the hearing. Nonetheless, the movie was a fun story with an amazing supporting cast... ESPECIALLY MICHAEL SPADY! -
ronirock23 November 2010Hamill is such a great movie! Breaking the barriers between the Deaf Community to the hearing. I loved the subtitles throughout the entire movie. Giving a new perspective into both sides worlds.
The writing, editing, music and cast were all excellent! I wish I could see the movie again and bring all my friends and family this time. A must see inspirational heart warming movie. Russ Hamilton performance was outstanding! I'm not a big wrestling fan, but this movie goes way beyond the wrestling storyline. It shows a mans determination to succeed and live his dream.
Shot in my home town of Rochester NY; this movie helps to also educate people about the NTID programs available to the hearing impaired students at the Rochester Institute of Technology. RIT - National Technical Institute for the Deaf - NTID is the world's largest technical college for deaf students.
This movie is great for audiences of all ages! -
d-alixander9 December 2010Had the opportunity to catch the premier of "Hamill" at the AFI Film Festival and was very impressed. Speaking from experience in the developmental disabilities field, I resonated with the obstacles depicted in the film. The filmmakers & cast were fantastic at keeping away from the trap of being a charity case and kept on pushing as anyone with passion and struggles would. With solid performances from Russell Harvard, Shoshannah Stern & Michael Anthony Spady, the story flowed organically with our hero Matt going for his gold but ultimately being let down, sending him onto a different path. He realizes he must take several steps back in order to move forward along with a new love interest. With the help of his loved ones, He rises victorious as the first deaf wrestler to take the national collegiate title. "Hamill" did a fine job of bringing me deeper into the world of the hearing impaired and wrestling without holding my hand. I hope this film sees a wide release so it can educate, inspire, and continue to break ground.
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mando12053 November 2011I just saw that movie yesterday with my sister and niece on Wednesday night the 2nd of November in Westminster,CO. I must say it was touching and inspiring true story! We liked it. It's nice to show hearing people that deaf people can do anything they want to be succeed in whatever they do because most of hearing people think deaf people can't. Therefore, Matt Hamill is a perfect example of role to demonstrate hearing people that he have made it through UFC career from wrestling throughout his high school and that we are all the same human but but there is only one thing is that we can't hear. At that point, we are not considered a disability. This movie is aspiring to great knowledge for everyone. Well done!
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broadwy113 November 2010This film is wonderful. A must see. This is going to be huge.
The acting is great. The score is great The story is moving and inspirational. Great date night movie because its perfect for men and women. Love story and a sports movie. This is better than Blind Side. Do yourself a favor and see and support this movie. Russell Harvard is tender and believable as the hero, Hamill. The deaf community is going to love this film as there has never been anything like it. The UFC community will love this as they all love the real life, Matt Hamill. A true hero.
Everyone who has seen this has said the same thing. Oscar! -
jeffjojo25 February 2012This is a great indie movie. All the actors who play deaf roles, including the kids, are really deaf and do a great job. This movie is based on a true story of Matt Hamill. I was in a theater where some people actually stood up and clapped at the end of the movie and others were nearly in tears. You can't go wrong with this movie and kids like 10 and up will enjoy it. If you are a fan of wrestling or the UFC or interested in deafness, these are all good reasons to rent or buy the movie.
The two movie makers in this movie were Eben Kostbar and Joseph McKelheer. This is their first full length movie, which they wrote and produced. They can also be seen in this movie in a small role as the two coaches at Rochester Institute of Technology. Eben Kostbar even studied sign language and uses it in the movie and is fluent in real life. Look for more titles from them and their company, Film Harvest in the coming years. -
erinkarll3 November 2011Not really plot spoilers, but i do talk about how they show some of the plot.
I was lucky enough to catch this movie while it was on the limited run (nov 2nd). It was on par with other great sports movies, or I should say deliver a total knock out to those other 'underdog' movies. But this film is more then just another run of mill story. From the very opening scene I know I was in for something special. The story is touching and watching the day to day issues was inspiring. I really enjoyed the use of muted sounds, no sound at all, and complete true audio. The captions were used for not only the normal use (helping get the spoken and signed language to those who did know) but also helped move the story along. I am wishing for a longer run, or a DVD release. Of course now all of the people in my Deaf Communication Studies classes want to see the film.
Well acted, perfectly directed! -
rttrek21 April 2011I caught this at the AFI Film Fest in L.A., where it was the hottest ticket of the festival! The theater was packed, with people sitting in the aisles, wanting to see how it solved the problem of making a movie for both the hearing and the signing communities.
They weren't disappointed! Everyone loved it, and it easily won the audience award for the breakthrough category of the festival. In fact, Hamill has now been in five festivals, and has won an audience or jury award in each one! Hamill combines the best attributes of sports film, character study and social commentary. The acting is top-notch, especially Russell Harvard as Matt Hamill and Michael Spady as his RIT roommate and fellow wrestler.
My favorite scenes involve waterfalls, and the way the script and sound production are used to present a waterfall as Matt experiences it is masterful.
A definite must-see movie! -
I came to this movie hoping to inspire my eight year-old son, who has a reading disability. I don't like wrestling, although I enjoy other sports, but mostly movies, while my son loves both watching films and pro wrestling. The special relationship between Matt and his grandfather really made an impact on my son and I. A very well-made, well thought-out film, which I would recommend to anyone. We were fortunate to see this yesterday as part of a film festival, in which both the deaf director and deaf star were present for a very illuminating question-and-answer period afterwards. In conclusion, both people, through their work, were able to show what the deaf and wrestling worlds are really like. I hope to see more of the director's work in the future and wish for her the very best.
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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
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kjh114856 April 2012This 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! -
mclmmm4 June 2012I'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.