Here Comes the Boom - B-

Rated PG, 105 minutes

Likable but lightweight “Here Comes the Boom”

Charice, Kevin James, Salma Hayek and Henry Winkler

I will say this about the likable new Kevin James comedy “Here Comes the Boom” and that it’s not “It’s My Boy” though it’s produced by Adam Sandler’s production company, Happy Madison. A pleasant mishmash of remarkably clean, good-spirited comedy, “Boom” is by no means a great film but it’s at least better than some (make that much) of the dreck that Sandler and company put out these days, including James’ awful “Zookeeper” from last year.  The premise is easy and predictable: James is Scott Voss, a high school biology teacher and former wrestler who goes into the mixed martial arts ring to raise money for his school’s music program and its leader (Henry Winkler), which are being cut by the school. Simplistic and fun, “Here Comes the Boom” derives its comedy from the portly James getting into the ring and getting beat up, all for a good cause.  A good message for sure, it seems far more mean spirited than it is, yet is actually a serviceable, good-natured film that keeps most of its gags above the belt, which is saying a lot for James and producer Sandler, who generally go very low brow (however, they’re currently making “Grown Ups 2” so this won’t last long). You know how it will turn out in the end, but that doesn’t mean you won’t have a little fun along the way. Directed by Frank Coraci, who’s done some Sandler and James films, it’s nice seeing James supported by the good-natured Winkler, the lovely Salma Hayek, and the talented young singer Charice, whose singing is far better than her acting. Also featuring some current and former MMA/UFC stars, “Here Comes the Boom” is slight, jumbled and very calculated, but it’s an enjoyable film that will leave you with a big smile.

Wes’s Grade: B-