The Contender (2000)

Based on 35 critic reviews provided by

100	Chicago Sun-Times Roger Ebert One of those rare movies where you leave the theater having been surprised and entertained, and then start arguing.
75	San Francisco Chronicle Bob Graham Thoroughly engrossing.
70	The New York Times Stephen Holden A cast that chews the scenery with such obvious enjoyment that you're happy to put up with its tin-eared oratory and preposterous plot turns for the sake of a good ride.
70	Los Angeles Times Kenneth Turan It does move right along and it's enlivened by stronger, more enjoyable acting than this kind of picture usually provides.
70	Washington Post Stephen Hunter As entertainment of a tawdry but compelling sort, The Contender certainly delivers.
67	Entertainment Weekly Lisa Schwarzbaum Engages in the cinematic equivalent of not inhaling.
63	USA Today Mike Clark Compelling and provocative -- though not memorable.
60	Rolling Stone Peter Travers Until The Contender slips into partisan politics and platitudinous piety, it's a lively, entertaining ride.
60	Washington Post Desson Thomson I can recommend the first two-thirds of this movie with great enthusiasm.
50	Boston Globe Jay Carr Wonderfully cast and slickly directed, but so crudely written.