Wolff rating: GOOD
Plot summary: A Don-King style promoter, running out of money, decides that to renergize America about boxing, they need to have a white contender. There are no good white boxers, so he has to create one.
Biased, pithy comments: I found this film very funny, funny like ``Wag the Dog'' was funny. I cackled as the phoniness of professional boxing was exposed, as characters clung to one another like a praying mantis latches on to its prey, and as the true shallowness of humanity was exposed. And, at the end, I even began buying the hype that I *knew* was being sold to me, and cackled at myself for believing it. From Irish Terry Conklin (''I'm not Irish!'' he keeps telling people, but no matter; he's told to wear his kilt and accept it) to James Roper, who can't believe he's putting up with this, to John Windsor's sudden exposure of a cache of racism---this is a clever movie with good performances. The script is cut a little short; there are a few threads left hanging, but I still had fun. Hudlin, who also filmed ``Houseparty'' and the less-well-received ``Boomerang,'' knows how to leave you with images stuck in your mind---Wayan's gut, the pro-wrestling fight kickoff (oh, those silouettes were neat), and many others. Not a perfect film, by any means, but quite fun. If you hate boxing, if you like Waylans or Goldblum, you'll probably like this film.
Other Notes: Mixed reviews---some people really liked it, some people hated it, but feelings were strong either way. Hoppin' sound track.
How many times I have seen it: x1
Starring: Samuel L. Jackson, Damon Wayans, Jeff Goldblum, Peter Berg, Jon Lovitz, Corbin Bernsen, Salli Richardson, John Rhys-Davies.
Directed by: Reginald Hudlin