The Hammer (2011)

84% of users liked it
(179 ratings)

Inspired by the life of deaf UFC fighter, Matt Hamill. The Hammer tells the story of what it takes to be a champion, on and off the mat. The Hammer is a coming of age drama depicting the struggles and successes of what it takes to become a champion. Raised among those with the ability to hear, Matt… More Inspired by the life of deaf UFC fighter, Matt Hamill. The Hammer tells the story of what it takes to be a champion, on and off the mat. The Hammer is a coming of age drama depicting the struggles and successes of what it takes to become a champion. Raised among those with the ability to hear, Matt later finds himself no less an outsider amidst the Deaf Community. But through sheer determination, he uses his 'perceived' disability as an asset, and becomes not only the first deaf wrestler to win a National Collegiate Championship, but an inspirational force to both hearing and deaf alike. -- (C) Official Site

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Rating, Runtime: PG-13, 1 hr. 48 min.
Directed By: Oren Kaplan
Written By: Joseph McKelheer, Eben Kostbar
Genres: Documentary, Drama, Sports & Fitness

In Theaters: Oct 27, 2011 Limited
On DVD: Feb 28, 2012
Studio: Third Planet Productions

Critic Reviews

Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times
"The Hammer" never quite brings the pain, in the parlance of pro wrestling, leaving the film feeling heartfelt but flat.
Jeannette Catsoulis, New York Times
Cleaving to the sports-as-salvation playbook with more fastidiousness than creativity, "The Hammer" offers a sincere but wearyingly formulaic portrait of triumph over adversity.
Doug Knoop, Seattle Times
Overall this is a gentle and fascinating alternative to your typical noisy big-screen blockbuster.

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Cast

            Russell Harvard as Matt Hamill

            Raymond J. Barry as Stanley Leroy McCoy

            Shoshannah Stern as Kristi Jones

            Michael Anthony Spady as Jay Jakubowski

            Courtney Halverson as Michelle

            Susan Gibney as Janet Hamill

            Joseph McKelheer as Ron Gross

            Eben Kostbar as Coach Cantrell

            Rich Franklin as Coach Pruitt

            Gavin Bellour as Pat Hamill

            Stephen Dodd as Coach Rich

            Theodore Conley as Young Matt Hamill

            Anthony Traina as Nick

            Lexi Marman as Kelly

            Cory Knauf as Dale

            Kara Luiz as Vivian

            Lauren Fox as Dr. Hoffman

            Bob Hiltermann as Purdue Professor

            Sara Fletcher as Rachel the Interpreter

            Gabe Stolt as Jason Sloan

            Rocky Abou-Sakher as Mechanic Daniel

            Matthew Dickens as Mechanic Mikey

            James Tristan Moore as Angry Teen

            Will Kurz as Young Pat Hamill

            Trevor Gross as Martin

            Lilly Hisenaj as Special Needs Teacher

            Avi Rothman as Chad the R.A.

            Craig Robert Young as Sloan's Coach

            Jason, Bovenzi as Referee

            Paul Burress as Healdsburg Coach

            Stan Main as Announcer

            Christopher Marvin as Rezac

            Cody Goodfried as Derrick Logan

            Andrew Grillo as Eli

            Scott J. Klein as Harold Russell

            Christine A. Klein as Marge Russell

            Timothy D. Klein as Janitor

            Jill Burress as Featured Pretty Jogger

            Brian Lantry as Bully #1

            Tyler Gross as Bully #2
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