Comedy and mixed martial arts don’t always mix.  Director Frank Coraci made it happen in the hilarious movie Here Comes the Boom.

Kevin James, usually known for his success as a comedian, also succeeds in playing a mixed martial artist.  His role as a high school teacher is taken to another level when he becomes a hero by fighting in mix martial arts to raise money for the school.

The school’s budget cutbacks interfere with its extracurricular activities, like the music class, and forces the teacher to get laid off. James’s character creates a plan to raise money.

After watching a UFC fight and finding out the losing fighter still receives $10,000, he and his buddies work their way up to earn a position in fighting in the UFC.

There were many funny scenes, but it was more than just funny. The film had a touching finale.  In today’s budget strapped schools, we can all appreciate teachers–real or fictional– who work hard to keep their programs alive.