Doug Wright & the Movies - "Horton Hears a Who"

It was just a matter of time before mixed martial arts became mainstream and made it to the silver screen. But something tells us we've seen this story before.

Plus, another Dr. Suess story comes to life on the big screen. Doug's praying it's not a flop like "The Cat in the Hat" and Jim Carey's "Grinch."

Generations have grown up reading the beloved Dr. Seuss tale of a kindly elephant who hears a who, and now Horton's story is on the big screen. Not only does he hear a who, he takes it upon himself to protect their little speck of a world, all while enduring hardship, ridicule and ostracism.

Jim Carey is delightful as the voice of our very patient pachyderm. Steve Carell lends his considerable talents to bring life to the Mayor of Whoville, and Carol Burnett is the voice of the incendiary and judgmental kangaroo. Purists will spot liberties with the story, but the sweetness and the spirit remains unspoiled. I really like Horton Hears a Who. It's rated G. I'm giving it three stars.

Another film out this weekend is Never Back Down.

How many time has this story been splashed on the big screen? A family tragedy causes the now-single mom to relocate the family. The eldest son, in this case Jake -- played by Sean Ferris -- is dealing with demons and guilt and is getting into fights. The younger sibling is doing OK, but will the troubles of the older brother rub off?

Well, when Jake arrives at his new high school, thanks to the Internet and You Tube, his reputation as a brawler precedes him. Ah, there's an underground fight club in the school, and soon the prettiest girl in the school lures Jake to a party for the express purpose of having him face her boyfriend for a fight. Ah, the treachery! But wait, could it be that she's falling for Jake?

Meanwhile, after Jake is beaten to a bloody pulp, Max, the friendly geeky kid, tells Jake of a gym where he can learn martial arts and the discipline it will take for redemption. Enter Djimon Hounsou, not quite Mr. Miyagi, but he'll do. He agrees to help train Jake if he promises not to fight outside the gym. Of course the trainer is dealing with his own demons, and it all has to lead to a show down, doesn't it?

The bottom line here is we've all seen this movie before and we've all seen it done better. Feris shows some real promise, and the movie has its moments, but overall, just two stars for Never Back Down. It's rated PG-13.

Also out this weekend is the futuristic thriller "Doomsday." Some say it feels like the "Resident Evil" series with a mix of "Mad Max" or "Road Warrior." Critics are mixed.