Review
AGAINST THE ROPES
Starring Meg Ryan, Omar Epps and Tony Shaloub
Directed by Charles S. Dutton
Opens Friday, February 20
Check listings
Ever wonder what would’ve happened in Rocky if Burgess Meredith came to the ring wearing fishnet stockings and stiletto heels?
OK, me neither. Regardless, it probably would’ve looked something like Against The Ropes, the new movie inspired by famous female boxing manager Jackie Kallen, where Meg Ryan takes on the gutsy role of the unrefined but ultimately bold Kallen.
Now, if you’re thinking there ain’t no fine line between cute as a button and tough as nails, you’re absolutely right. But that doesn’t mean that Ryan, who has enjoyed a lot more success with fuzzy romantic comedies than heavyweight dramas, doesn’t give this thing a good fight.
Kallen herself is listed as an executive producer of the movie, even though any faithful ESPN viewer knows full well this tale has been hacked apart and re-assembled with glitzy Hollywood paste. (Kallen was based out of Detroit, but for some reason the movie shifts the scene to picturesque Cleveland.) Director Charles S. Dutton gets his point across though – with enough clout, the right woman can thrive in a manly man’s world. Think Erin Brockovich – just replace the legal briefs with a spit bucket.
Kallen’s journey begins when a despicable boxing kingpin (Tony Shalhoub) shuffles off the contract of a doped-up slugger to her. She dumps the loser after finding her way to a drug dealer, Luther Shaw (Omar Epps), who unlike her acquired crackhead, has legit butt-whupping potential. Luring a respected coach, Felix Reynolds (Dutton, pulling double duty both behind and in front of the camera) out of retirement, she whips Luther into shape and guns for the title.
Shaw is the role that Wesley Snipes was born to play. Unfortunately, Snipes wasn’t available, so we get Epps. And while the chiseled Epps looks like he could at least go a few rounds, Dutton’s in-ring footage won’t knock out anyone – the editing is choppy, and the action is minimal.
No matter. The main event here is the performance of its star. Even in a movie that loves its caricatures (every bad guy is a stogie chomping mobster) and its clichés (hey, you can’t have a boxing film without a training montage), Ryan looks remarkably at ease – her best balance of vulnerability and feistiness since Courage Under Fire.
With her, Against the Ropes has a shot at winning you over. Without her, this thing would be Sleepless In Palookaville. |
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