I'm almost certain that the people who are down rating this film initially thought they would be watching a Stone Cold Steve Austin action extravaganza instead of a family movie. Even though I'm not a professional movie critic, or a filmmaker, I do consider myself a movie buff who delves into every possible genre. And as far as this certain type of genre goes, it's pretty good. "Knockout" never tries to jump over itself. It clearly knows what it wants to be. In fact, at one point, it gives a shout out to the original "Karate Kid." Many plot lines feel familiar, but it's all handled with as much care as possible. The movie is successful at flowing down the middle without being overly heartwarming, or not heartwarming enough. Steve Austin isn't applying for greatness, but he feels completely right for this role. Despite his opposing figure, you can see the soft spot within his eyes. As for the main kid, he eases into the role by the end of the film. The kid who played Hector tackles the bully role with aplomb. The girl playing Ruby is also very charming. All in all, my two young kids enjoyed this and so did I. As far as these types of films go, this one is above most.

I was pleasantly surprised with respect to the execution of the actors. Some of the previous reviews simply didn't get it! Young Matthew Miller played by Daniel Magder (Life with Derek's Edwin) was transformed over the course of the film from a bumbling geek to a self confident young man at the conclusion of the film. He displayed the stark contrast in character between the role he played at the beginning of the film and the end. At the start of the movie Matthew was in a place he didn't want to be and had to sacrifice his academic arena for the sake of his mother. He was nervous, angry and self conscious and displayed his emotions and feelings with an awkwardness both physically and emotionally. This is a much different role than that of Edwin in "Life with Derek". I believe he pulled it off beautifully. Steve Austin was consistent throughout the film showing a "soft side" and yet he was still rough around the edges given his checkered past. He played the role beautifully. Nice job Steve!!!Matthew's mother came across as annoying which added balance to the story. If the kids were shown as professional boxers the credibility of the film would have suffered. These are teenagers in middle school just learning the craft of boxing, not seasoned veterans.Yes, definitely a "feel good" story and yet not over the top. The lesson that the film depicts should not be lost on today's young generation. The old adage, when you fall, pick yourself up and try again, rings out load and clear.This movie is a winner!!!

I am a Steve Austin fan: Loved "The Condemned" and "Damage", and most of his other films. I think the folks who slammed him with the negative reviews were a bit harsh and unfair. Is he "Oscar" material? No. Does he do Shakespeare type material? No. His "genre" is pulp type fiction for the masses! My only real benchmark for a good movie is this: Do I feel better after watching a movie, than I did before I watched it? In this case: yea! It was pretty good. A little campy but...overall, I gave it a 10 for meeting expectations and for the above mentioned reason as well. Actually, I give this movie a "7", to be honest: the extra "3" is to spite the negative reviewers and their vitriol!! I love the way the folks leaving the terrible reviews accuse anyone who actually *liked* the movie of being shills!! I assure you: I live in Ocean County, NJ and I don't work for Hollywood or the production company...nor do I know, personally, Steve Austin! Which of course puts me in the *other* box they accuse those of us who like the film of being in: We are retards!! LOL!! If we actually like the movie they are bashing, and we are not shills or work for the production company, then we are just stupid, or retarded! Wow! I think that that mindset, on their part, is very telling! Says a lot about them, don't you think? Anyway, Thanks Steve Austin, for making an enjoyable film (again!) and I wish you much success in the future! STONE COLD FOR PRESIDENT: 2012!!! J/K!!

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.