A tough melancholy old boxing trainer who runs a dumpy gym reluctantly agrees to train a motivated "girl" boxer. The film has a nice texture and moves at a comfortable slow pace as we get to know the time-worn main characters. The boxing scenes are very convincing, although there aren't a lot of them. While the movie ponders interesting themes, such as how much risk one should take in trying to fulfill one's dreams, ultimately it is not completely fulfilling. Not a lot happens in the story. Her career is mostly steady.
The supporting characters are silly and unconvincing. But I did enjoy the film.
fritz
C
Not worth all the hoopla. Mostly it's about boxing, and how interesting is that? Morgan Freeman's wrinkles and warts don't actually make his words any more wise. The plot is mostly a tired one, the scrapping underdog with the big spirit... but it takes a twist at the end and slightly redeems itself. So if you get halfway through, don't give up. It'll get better, but there are a lot better movies. PG13 for violent boxing.
