THE FOOT FIST WAY

‘Taekwondo’ is a Korean martial art, that in English actually means, "to strike with fist method". Hmm? Don't you find that this is an awkwardly worded phrase? Just like this overtly un-ornate film as a matter of fact. One Directed by Jody Hill; and Starring: Danny McBride, Ben Best, Mary Bostic, and Jody Hill. It was made in 2006/8, and lasts for a whole 81 minutes.


The Foot Fist Way


THE STORY:
Fred Simmons (Danny McBride) teaches Taekwondo to youths in a dojo he owns located in North Carolina. Day in, day out, he peddles his wares to all in sundry, whilst, at the same time, bestowing onto his pupils the learn-ed ways of this Korean self defence.

An honourable pursuit, wouldn't you agree? Not so to his buxom wife, Suzie (Mary Jane Bostic), who cheats on Fred on the very first day at her new job, by giving her new boss a hand-job.

Obviously, Fred does not take too kindly to this... errr... incident; which in turn affects his already mannered way of teaching. He gets rough with the kids. He flirts with a female adult-pupil of his. And he just acts strangely around whoever he speak to. Resulting in him breaking down in his dojo.

Still, somehow Fred preservers, and he takes with him on a field trip, two pupils -- Julio and Henry -- plus a colleague -- Mike (Jody Hill) -- to see a presentation showcasing the Hollywood martial arts hero, Chuck "The Truck" Wallace (Ben Best).

Alright. I know what you're thinking to yourself. Is this what Fred really needs at a time like this? A field trip? I mean, what does he expect to get out of it? Drinking? Fighting? Whoring? Or maybe even Chuck to agree to give a demonstration at his dojo a week or so later?

Well, believe it or not, yes, all of this does transpire. Furthermore, one week later, on the eve of Chuck's demonstration, Fred accept his philandering wife back with open arms when she begs for his forgiveness.

But then again, that's most probably why what next transpires is both heartbreaking and revealing for our man Fred. As a trust is broken – words are spoken – demonstrations are demonstrated – plus a bond of redemption is finally exfoliated.

THE REVIEW:

In essence, 'The Foot Fist Way' is a Kung-Fu Comedy. And I say ‘in essence’, because the ‘Kung-Fu’ and the ‘Comedy’ on show are both executed in a somewhat peculiar manner.

OK, I know that this statement does sounds rather ambiguous to say the least. Yet again, I find this to be very apt for this somewhat peculiar movie.

Now what do I mean by this? Well, where the Kung-Fu is concerned, all you get to see are slow motion montages or quick cut action scenes, giving the 'conceptual illusion' that something dynamic is transpiring on screen. Also, where the comedy is concerned, this is more blatantly relayed by the main actors themselves, who are seemingly cartoonish representations of Americana archetypes, conveying humor that is both crude, bold, and of the awkward variety.

Please note, when I say ‘awkward’, what I mean by this is that it reminds me of the Ricky Gervais sitcom 'The Office'. Where the comedy comes within the awkward moments between statements. Whilst the ‘crude and bold’ part of the equation, relates to the cartoonish aspects that I have previously stated. Both in tone and in mannerisms.

Personally speaking, I found ‘The Foot Fist Way’ to be one of those films that is of an acquired taste. It has good parts in it (such as the lead, Danny McBride). It has bad parts in it (such as the action scenes). Plus it has so-so parts in it too (such as some of the crude comedy).

Overall, though, it is a film that has some really sold direction and bold characterisation, which does enhance it above some of you're more contrived comedies out there. Moreover, I did find it charming in the way it made you initially hate Danny’s character -- Fred -- before gradually making you care for the bloody twerp further down the line. Honestly. You're personal attachment towards this f*cking dick-head really does rise by the very end of this flick. 

So, if you are a big fan of Kung-Fu films without a lot of Kung Fu in them; or comedy’s in the same vein as the British version of ‘The Office’; then this is definitely a movie for you.

Warning: Must be for those people who have an ‘acquired taste’. Don't you agree chaps?

Ha! Nuff said.

THE RATING: B-