Sabah Hensley
This is a dark and sometimes deeply uncomfortable drama
Tayyab Torres
Strong acting helps the film overcome an uncertain premise and create characters that hold our attention absolutely.
Janis
One of the most extraordinary films you will see this year. Take that as you want.
Kayden
This is a dark and sometimes deeply uncomfortable drama
nelson joshi
The Hammer (Hamill): This one s not just an another movie i saw ...This one is different and i will suggest to all my friends its a must watch. This movie first of all shows a rare subject (deaf people ) and spread a massage and positive energy. I prefer to watch Biopics and for sure this will gonna remain one of my beat pick...As it's a story of a deaf child who always treated as a normal guy by his grandfather and it shows how difficult things for him just cz he is deaf. This movie is about his struggle in his life to accomplish what he born for ...His grandfather was last wrestler who made up to NCC finals and now he wants his grandson to do same here starts the story of Matt Hamill's life. In his early life he treated and educated as a normal child which helps him to b better then others however there was so many barriers in his life cz of that .....his prom such a disaster then his scholarship denied just cz he s not able to retain his GPA and he almost gave up . Then his grandfather (Raymond J. Barry did a great job in terms of acting ) told him that he has the ability to do what he want to do and he should stop felling sorry for him. Second attempt and from here his life change he becomes a wrestler and favorite in college and he really worked hard . Then he beat two times champion in his weight category and become first deaf NCC champion. Really Fantastic scenery of America ,really touching story ,amazing direction and tremendous acting performance made this film really special . this movie gives us inspiration and power and teaches us that every one has equal opportunity and rights in this society and sometimes we need to treat people with some extra care . This movie is simply amazing and decrease the barriers between deaf and hearing and tell us if u remain focus one can achieve what all he/she wants. Best direction by Oren Kaplanand acting was awesome . Russell Harvard,Raymond J. Barry,Michael Anthony Spady was simply best ,
jeffjojo
This is a great indie movie. All the actors who play deaf roles, including the kids, are really deaf and do a great job. This movie is based on a true story of Matt Hamill. I was in a theater where some people actually stood up and clapped at the end of the movie and others were nearly in tears. You can't go wrong with this movie and kids like 10 and up will enjoy it. If you are a fan of wrestling or the UFC or interested in deafness, these are all good reasons to rent or buy the movie.The two movie makers in this movie were Eben Kostbar and Joseph McKelheer. This is their first full length movie, which they wrote and produced. They can also be seen in this movie in a small role as the two coaches at Rochester Institute of Technology. Eben Kostbar even studied sign language and uses it in the movie and is fluent in real life. Look for more titles from them and their company, Film Harvest in the coming years.
juliusamaya1
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.
ronirock
Hamill is such a great movie! Breaking the barriers between the Deaf Community to the hearing. I loved the subtitles throughout the entire movie. Giving a new perspective into both sides worlds.The writing, editing, music and cast were all excellent! I wish I could see the movie again and bring all my friends and family this time. A must see inspirational heart warming movie. Russ Hamilton performance was outstanding! I'm not a big wrestling fan, but this movie goes way beyond the wrestling storyline. It shows a mans determination to succeed and live his dream.Shot in my home town of Rochester NY; this movie helps to also educate people about the NTID programs available to the hearing impaired students at the Rochester Institute of Technology. RIT - National Technical Institute for the Deaf - NTID is the world's largest technical college for deaf students. This movie is great for audiences of all ages!