Never Back Down: No Surrender

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BRizz 2 Never Back Down: No Surrender is yet another unnecessary installment in the Never Back Down franchise — and honestly, it’s time they let this series go. The original film, while not groundbreaking, had solid storytelling, decent performances, and just enough heart and grit to make it memorable. But with each new sequel, that foundation has been chipped away until there’s almost nothing left. No Surrender suffers from the same issues that have plagued the latter entries: weak, half-baked scripts, generic fight sequences, and a total lack of character development. It feels like these films are thrown together with the hope that some flashy kicks and slow-motion punches will distract from the fact that there’s barely a story holding it all together. This installment, in particular, lacks any real direction or purpose. There’s no build-up, no tension, and no emotional payoff. Instead, it’s just a loosely strung-together series of cliché moments that don’t elevate or even respect the original. Rather than continuing the legacy of the first Never Back Down, this film just drags the franchise further into mediocrity — to the point where it even affects how the original is perceived now. The acting doesn’t help either. Performances feel flat, uninspired, and often awkward. No one feels grounded in their character, and instead of immersing the audience, it plays like a low-effort passion project for someone trying to keep the franchise on life support. In the end, No Surrender feels more like a poorly executed idea that should have stayed on the cutting room floor. It’s unfortunate because the first film had potential and genuine entertainment value, but this latest entry just highlights how far things have fallen. I can’t recommend this one — even for fans of the franchise. It’s time to tap out. Rated 0.5/5 Stars •  Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars 06/26/25 Full Review Audience Member Another stand alone sequel in the "Never Back Down" series; but elevated on every level. The story is very good. The fighting is well done. There are some terrific scenes where MJW gets to combine his traditional martial arts training with fighting. The acting is solid. Someone must have read my criticism of the soundtrack from #2 and then notice because the music here is very good. Everything about this movie rises more to MJW's level Instead of him being the standout. MJW manages to intelligently infuse his knowledge and philosophy on martial arts training into this one. If you only watch one in the series watch this one. You don't need the prior films to follow it. Gillian White, MJW's real life wife, is very good in this, as well. Some great cameos in this one. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/13/23 Full Review Audience Member Very good... Love Michael Jai White ð???movies!!! Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/06/23 Full Review Audience Member nice movie with some nice training techniques Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/08/23 Full Review Audience Member Better than expected. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/24/23 Full Review Audience Member Weak ending, bad acting. Rated 2/5 Stars •  Rated 2 out of 5 stars 02/13/23 Full Review Read all reviews

Never Back Down: No Surrender

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