Against the Ropes

Release Date: February 20, 2004

No, it's not a re-make of The Main Event

On the Big Board
Position Staff In Brief
63/92 David Mumpower This one starts off strong but quickly punches itself out.
99/126 Kim Hollis Meg Ryan's accent grates through the entire film.

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Based on the true story of famous female boxing manager Jackie Kallen, Against the Ropes details the Detroit native's endeavor to persevere and succeed in a sport that is completely dominated by men. Kallen, who started out as a music journalist before becoming a television personality on a local talk show, is known for her glam-rock appearance and for managing the careers of four world champions, including James Toney, Bronco McKart, Tom Johnson and Joseph Kiwanuka. She was also the publicist for Thomas "Hit Man" Hearns, a job that was the catalyst for her transition into boxing management.

In a departure from her typical sweet, romantic roles, Meg Ryan will play the part of Kallan, with Omar Epps costarring as a composite character based on the boxers with whom she worked. The story isn't a precise factual account of "The First Lady of Boxing" but rather a loose fictional adaptation.

Also significant is that Against the Ropes marks the feature film directorial debut of Charles "Roc" Dutton, best known as a terrific character actor who has appeared in numerous television programs and movies over the past several years. Supporting cast members include former Wings costars Tony Shalhoub and Tim Daly, who will play a publicist and sports reporter respectively.

Though this film could probably be considered a hard sell, Ryan has been quoted as saying she sees the character as a real opportunity to show her acting chops. Ryan's star has faded somewhat in recent years, and Against the Ropes is a prime opportunity for the actress to reinvent herself and take on some more serious roles. (Kim Hollis/BOP)


July 30, 2003

And like the proverbial punch drunk boxer, this movie has lurched around and staggered into a new release date of February 20, 2004. Join us for the next round to see if Against the Ropes can avoid collapsing on the mat for a 10 count. (Jennifer Turnock/BOP)




Vital statistics for Against the Ropes
Main Cast Meg Ryan, Omar Epps
Supporting Cast Tony Shalhoub, Timothy Daly
Director Charles Dutton
Screenwriter Cheryl Edwards
Distributor Paramount
Trailer Click Here for Trailer
Official Site http://www.againsttheropes.com/
Rating PG-13
Running Time 80 minutes
Screen Count 1,601
Talent in red has entry in The Big Picture



Comparison films for Against the Ropes
Title
Date
Opening
Adjusted Opening
Screens
PSA
Adj PSA
Total BO
Adjusted Total
Mult
Erin Brockovich 3/17/0028.14 31.48 2845 9891.00 10643.4 125.55 140.45 4.46
Proof of Life 12/8/0010.21 11.42 2705 3774.00 4061.1 32.56 36.42 3.19
Casino 11/24/959.95 13.79 1616 6157.00 8209.3 42.42 58.80 2.93
Thelma and Louise * 5/24/916.10 8.73 1179 5174.00 7128.1 43.43 62.20 7.12
Contender, The 10/13/005.36 5.99 1516 3536.00 3805.0 17.80 19.91 3.32
Undisputed 8/23/024.55 4.73 1102 4128.00 4128.0 12.40 12.89 2.73


     


 
 

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