Film Review: “The Foot Fist Way”

As a film reviewer for public radio, I keep aware of what’s upcoming in the world of films. To a fault. I check out advanced previews on the www. I read reviews and updates on films in progress. I listen to the buzz about projects.

All said and done, it’s not a good thing.

Like any human, my perspective, my predisposition about a movie, is swayed. I am inclined to look forward to a film, and thus my review will be skewed by those expectations. If it doesn’t hold up as I had hoped, I’m likely to dismiss it more than if I hadn’t any advanced feelings. And vice versa.

Like I said, it’s not a good thing. But it’s human nature.

Which is why I crave those situations when I can see a flick about which I know nothing at all. Every once in awhile one will open that I haven’t even heard of. I cherish the moments. They’re like cinematic blind dates.

Such was the case with “The Foot Fist Way.”

What a guffaw of a surprise. This indie was filmed in 19 days with actors you’ve never heard of. It may have even been filmed in 16mm, given its graininess, but I’m not sure about that. And it doesn’t really matter. The shot on the fly quality only adds to its allure.

I’m tired of all the gloss these days.

Danny R. McBride plays the hilariously insufferable Fred Simmons. Fred runs a tae kwon do academy in a strip mall in what appears to be a smallish town. He is way too full of himself. He considers himself a master of the universe. And he takes it out on his students, be they young kids or golden agers.

His cockiness is manifest. At first, it is somewhat off-putting. Until you accept the irony that underscores the entire movie. Then it’s simply funny.

He’s married to Mary Jane Bostic, a gorgeous if slightly zaftig blonde who can’t help herself from diddling about on hubby. With her new boss at the dentist’s office. With hubby’s hero, Chuck “The Truck” Wallace (Ben Best).

So McBride takes it out on his students, and hustles one, Collette Wolfe, who wants nothing to do with him. To which he is oblivious.

The plot doesn’t matter. What does is the absurdity of the lead character with his off the chart delusions about himself. McBride’s is a unique and well-formed portrayal. We all know guys like this, full of faux machismo to cover up insecurities. He’s played for laughs. There are plenty.

Don’t be put off that the film centers itself in a martial arts training facility. It’s about the characters.

The whole deal is a grin, a marvelous summer diversion from out of the blue; the rarest of treats, a movie experience about which you have no preconceived notions.

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