Watch Underdog Kids

Underdog Kids is a 2015 family movie directed by Philip Rhee, written by Joe Johnson and produced by his brother Ron Johnson. The film follows a group of underprivileged teens who find themselves drawn to the martial arts world in order to better themselves both physically and mentally. The story takes place in a rough inner-city neighborhood where violence and gang activity are rampant. A socioeconomic divide separates the kids of the area into those who have opportunities and those who don't. Izzy Torres (Phillip Rhee), who runs a martial arts dojo, witnesses this struggle firsthand when he gives free classes to some of the neighborhood kids. One day, when a group of bullies destroy the dojo and threaten Izzy, his students band together to save him.

The group includes Tony (Nicole Sousa), a tough girl with a troubled past; Bo (Ryan Potter), a bookish kid who's always picked on; Tech (Mateo Arias), a tech-savvy kid who's seen it all before; and Carmen (Isabella Rose), a streetwise girl who can hold her own. When Izzy's dojo is destroyed, the kids decide to train in his backyard, creating their own makeshift gym.

Izzy becomes their mentor, instilling martial arts principles that go far beyond physical training. He teaches them discipline, focus, and respect, all of which they need to succeed both in the martial arts world and in their personal lives. As they train, their confidence grows and they begin to heal the wounds of their troubled pasts.

The group soon learns about an upcoming national martial arts tournament, where they can compete against some of the best young fighters in the country. Despite their lack of experience and resources, they decide to enter as a team, with the hope of winning the prize money and proving themselves to the people who have doubted them.

Underdog Kids is a classic underdog tale, told through the eyes of a group of teens who are fighting for a better future. The film tackles themes such as perseverance, hard work, and determination, all of which are essential for anyone who wants to succeed in life. By showing us the struggles of the characters, the movie inspires us to believe that we can overcome any obstacle with hard work and dedication.

The cast of Underdog Kids is mostly made up of young and talented actors, all of whom deliver solid performances. Phillip Rhee, who plays Izzy, is also the film's director, and he does an excellent job of capturing both the physical and emotional aspects of martial arts.

Mirelly Taylor, who plays Maria, is Izzy's love interest and a fellow martial arts instructor. She brings a softer, more nurturing energy to the group, showing that martial arts isn't just about fighting, but also about connecting with others and building community.

Max Gail, who plays Principal Schultz, is a nice addition to the cast, providing some comic relief and a bit of heart to the story. He plays the role of the skeptical authority figure who doubts the kids' abilities and thinks that martial arts is a waste of time. However, as the story progresses, he begins to see the positive changes that martial arts has brought to the group and becomes their biggest supporter.

Overall, Underdog Kids is a well-crafted family movie that delivers positive messages and a satisfying story. It's a film that parents can watch with their kids and discuss the important themes it raises. While it may not break new ground, it's a movie that will leave you feeling inspired and uplifted, which is exactly what a good family movie should do.

Underdog Kids is a 2015 kids & family movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.3.