The Hammer (2010)

At first glance, "The Hammer" is your typical sports underdog movie with classic clichés such as fan chants and the big fight or game at the movie's conclusion. But taking a closer look at the film, you discover that it makes a cultural cross-over into the hearing and Deaf world with its innovative use of open-caption during the first half of the movie and sub-titles in the second half. The audience is fully engaged throughout the film.The deaf actors who portrayed their respective real-life counter parts were phenomenal but "Matt Hamill," played by Russell Harvard, stole the film. Harvard's likability and charismatic smile simply leap out of the film and into your heart. His on screen chemistry with "Kristi" played by Shoshannah Stern was also sincere and memorable. Furthermore, Harvard moves gracefully and with strong purpose during the wrestling scenes and was completely believable.The real Matt Hamill who during his formative years was trained in lip-reading by his grandfather Stanley, played by Raymond J. Barry, strongly encouraged the young Hamill to assimilate into the auditory mainstream. The old school "tough love" approach forced Hamill to accept the notion that he "was no different than anyone else." But in reality, he was different and needed a support system that understood his struggles and worldview. Harvard beautifully depicted Hamill's struggle to remain loyal to his grandfather's values while at the same time entering a new epoch at Rochester Institute of Technology.Cinematographer David Rom's artistic fingerprint added emotional balance to the film's scenes. A balance needed in most sports underdog films, which have a tendency to become extremely saturated with emotion-laced scenes. The movie as a whole was very memorable and enjoyable and has positive message that can be appreciate by both the Deaf and hearing communities.

Had the opportunity to catch the premier of "Hamill" at the AFI Film Festival and was very impressed. Speaking from experience in the developmental disabilities field, I resonated with the obstacles depicted in the film. The filmmakers & cast were fantastic at keeping away from the trap of being a charity case and kept on pushing as anyone with passion and struggles would. With solid performances from Russell Harvard, Shoshannah Stern & Michael Anthony Spady, the story flowed organically with our hero Matt going for his gold but ultimately being let down, sending him onto a different path. He realizes he must take several steps back in order to move forward along with a new love interest. With the help of his loved ones, He rises victorious as the first deaf wrestler to take the national collegiate title. "Hamill" did a fine job of bringing me deeper into the world of the hearing impaired and wrestling without holding my hand. I hope this film sees a wide release so it can educate, inspire, and continue to break ground.

Hamill is a simple story, well told.Matt Hamill was born a deaf child in a hearing community. With a powerful mentor in the form of his loving grandfather, played with grit and heart by the wonderful Raymond J. Barry, and a supportive family, he grew up different, fighting (often literally) for acceptance and inclusion, throughout his school career. Matt never truly belonged until he became an adopted member of the Deaf community at the Rochester Institute of Technology, where the film shows him growing as an athlete and a person, leading to an epic and emotional finale.Audiences will settle in quickly to the traditional biopic formula, but in this case, the formula does not restrict the filmmakers, but rather frees them to use innovative techniques in service to the story. The practice of subtitling the entire film is inclusive, and in and of itself brings the audience together in a shared experience. Multiple layers of commentary are laced throughout the tightly constructed screenplay, bringing issues such as bullying, alienation and angst, and the need for acceptance and inclusion, into the story.Hamill is, in many ways, the first film of it's type, and has been long awaited in the Deaf community. It's a powerful and moving true story, and we can all see ourselves reflected in it.

This film is wonderful. A must see. This is going to be huge.The acting is great. The score is great The story is moving and inspirational. Great date night movie because its perfect for men and women. Love story and a sports movie. This is better than Blind Side. Do yourself a favor and see and support this movie. Russell Harvard is tender and believable as the hero, Hamill. The deaf community is going to love this film as there has never been anything like it. The UFC community will love this as they all love the real life, Matt Hamill. A true hero.Everyone who has seen this has said the same thing. Oscar!