The Hammer – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The Hammer

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2010

66%

WISE Score

6.9

IMDb

Inspiring true story of deaf wrestler Matt Hamill—heart in the right place, but rough language and 2010 indie vibes may limit appeal.

6.9/10

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The Hammer

movie

PG-13, 2010

66%

WISE Score

6.9

IMDb

Inspiring true story of deaf wrestler Matt Hamill—heart in the right place, but rough language and 2010 indie vibes may limit appeal.

6.9

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Screenwise Verdict

The Hammer has its heart absolutely in the right place. Matt Hamill's story is genuinely inspiring, and seeing deaf representation in a sports biopic matters. The film delivers on the fundamentals—perseverance, identity, overcoming odds—and Common Sense Media rightly notes the characters and message are 'surprisingly positive.'

But let's be real: this is a 2010 indie that feels every bit of its age. The pacing drags, the production values are TV-movie-ish, and the rough language (f-bombs, casual homophobic slurs) sits awkwardly against the wholesome sports-drama vibe. It's not unwatchable, but it's also not the kind of thing modern teens will binge or quote.

If your kid is genuinely interested in wrestling, disability representation, or true underdog stories, this is worth a watch. Otherwise, there are slicker, more engaging sports biopics out there that won't feel like homework.

Age Fit

Best for ages 13+ per Common Sense Media, primarily due to language. The story itself is accessible and inspiring for middle schoolers who can handle PG-13 content, but younger kids sensitive to profanity should skip it. Older teens may find the 2010 indie feel a bit slow.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Inspiring true story of perseverance with positive role models and a strong work-hard-for-your-dreams message. Common Sense Media notes 'surprisingly positive' characters. Some pervasive profanity (including f-bombs and casual use of 'gay') and drinking/kissing scenes keep this from being squeaky clean, but the emotional core is healthy and the tone is genuinely uplifting for a sports biopic.

Imaginative

Straightforward biographical sports drama that follows a familiar underdog-overcomes-adversity template. The deaf protagonist's journey adds a unique perspective, but the film doesn't break new ground in storytelling or visual style. It's earnest and competent rather than creative or thought-provoking.

Safe

PG-13 rated with moderate violence (wrestling scenes), some sexual material (kissing), and pervasive strong language including f-bombs and casual homophobic slurs ('gay' used pejoratively). No gore, nudity, or shocking content, but the language is rough enough that younger kids or families sensitive to profanity should be aware. The IMDb parents guide shows moderate violence and mild profanity/drinking.

Enriching

Solid biographical drama about Matt Hamill, the first deaf wrestler to win a National Collegiate Wrestling Championship. Offers real insight into the deaf community, disability representation, and athletic dedication. The true-story foundation provides genuine inspiration and conversation opportunities about perseverance, identity, and overcoming barriers. IMDb 6.9 and 77% RT audience score suggest it resonates emotionally.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Genuine disability representation: Matt Hamill's journey as a deaf athlete breaking barriers is both rare and meaningful on screen
Strong perseverance message that actually earned it—this isn't manufactured inspiration, it's a real guy who worked incredibly hard
Opens conversations about the deaf community, identity, and what it means to overcome systemic barriers in sports
Solid sports drama fundamentals with wrestling sequences that feel authentic

⚠

What to Watch For

Pervasive profanity including f-bombs and casual use of 'gay' as a slur—it's rated PG-13 but the language is rougher than many family-friendly sports movies
Some drinking and kissing scenes (nothing graphic, but present)
2010 indie production values mean it feels dated compared to modern sports biopics—pacing and cinematography won't wow teens used to slicker content

Conversation Starters

"What do you think was Matt's biggest challenge—being deaf, or people's assumptions about what he could do?"
"How does the movie show communication working (or not working) between deaf and hearing people?"
"If you had a goal that everyone told you was impossible, how would you stay motivated like Matt did?"

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