"The Hammer" is a satisfying indie comedy.

No, "The Hammer" is not a biopic of rapper M.C. Hammer. Instead, it's a semi-autobiographical story of Adam Carolla's life. The story revolves around Jerry Ferro, who is down on his luck to say the least. Not only does he work a crappy job as a carpenter with his pal Ozzie, but his girlfriend dumps him and kicks him out of the house. Jerry's life soon changes when a trainer recognizes Jerry's talents as a boxer and decides to give him a shot at fighting in the Olympic trials. Meanwhile, Jerry meets a new girl (Lindsay) whom he falls for. Can Jerry turn his life around or will everything fall apart?

"The Hammer" may be a conventional underdog story that glorifies former "Man Show" star Adam Carolla, but the comedic script by Kevin Hench makes one forget that the true to life story is an all too familiar tale about making something of yourself. One of the reasons that the film is a success is that Carolla is a surprisingly charismatic leading man. Granted, he is playing his usual sarcastic, rant-filled, and quick witted self, but so what? It takes skill to be yourself on film. The real scene stealer, however, is Carolla's pal on and off camera Ozzie who has many of the film's funniest lines and moments.

Conclusion: "The Hammer" may not be original, but it has everything you could want in a movie such as romance, fights, characterization, humor, a tar pit rant, etc. Check it out.