The Hammer: Adam Corolla's Hidden Gem
A Likable Comedy for an Unexpected Source
Corolla, who is best known for his stint on the radio/television program LOVELINE, recently became a household name thanks to his antics on DANCING WITH THE STARS. He is crass, lewd, and irreverent, and for these reasons, the public has never fully embraced his eccentric talent. If they had, his independent gem The Hammer, may have found the audience that it truly deserves.
The 40-Year-Old Slacker
The premise of The Hammer is anything but original, and for this reason, its success is all the more impressive. Corolla plays Jerry, a 40-year-old slacker who has squandered his many considerable talents. Though he was once a Gold Gloves boxer, he chooses a life rooted in dead-end carpentry jobs, and an endless barrage of stale six-packs. Though he possesses the intelligence to earn himself a contractor’s license, he lacks the ambition to make anything of his life. In fact, the only positive contribution he makes to society, is providing nightly boxing lessons at a local gym.
While working out one day, he is discovered legendary boxing coach Victor Padilla. With a straight face and a steady resolve, Victor makes Jerry an unprecedented offer; show up at the gym in the morning, and take part in the preliminary Olympic team trials. Jobless and alone, the middle-aged slacker decides to give it a shot.
The Hammer may be formulaic and predictable, but it is also heartfelt and enjoyable. It focuses heavily on Jerry’s budding romance with public defender Lindsay (Heather Juergensen), yet never compromises its independent spirit and vivaciousness. The film has a charming low-budget feel, yet somehow remains poignant and relevant. This could be attributed to Kevin Hench’s screenplay (based on Corolla’s story) or Charles Herman-Wurmfeld’s direction, but in actuality, the majority of the accolades belong to Corolla himself.
Playing to Corolla's Strengths
The sarcastic arrogance that made the funny-man a mainstay in popular culture is perfectly suited for the fast-talking Jerry. He is an everyman who has found a way to squander his considerable talents, but has been granted another chance at greatness. More often than not, he is downtrodden and insulting, often engaging in rants about anything (and everything) around him. And somehow, despite these seemingly negative qualities, he’s endearing and likable, providing laughs around almost every corner. His romantic gestures and evolving courtship of Lindsay is refreshingly real and enjoyable. Even his friendship with Nicaraguan immigrant Oswaldo (Oswaldo Sanchez) is surprisingly genuine. There are numerous ODD COUPLE laughs, but their union never slips into the typically mean-spirited fair that often accompanies pairings of this nature. Perhaps this is the biggest surprise from Corolla and this project; it features real and commendable relationships in the guise of a traditional rags-to-riches comedy.
FILM- B+
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