Against the Ropes
Release Date:
February 20, 2004
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. |
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)
Comparison films for Against the Ropes |
Title |
Date |
Opening |
Adjusted Opening |
Screens |
PSA |
Adj PSA |
Total BO |
Adjusted Total |
Mult |
| Erin Brockovich |
3/17/00 | 28.14 |
31.48 |
2845 |
9891.00 |
10643.4 |
125.55 |
140.45 |
4.46 |
| Proof of Life |
12/8/00 | 10.21 |
11.42 |
2705 |
3774.00 |
4061.1 |
32.56 |
36.42 |
3.19 |
| Casino |
11/24/95 | 9.95 |
13.79 |
1616 |
6157.00 |
8209.3 |
42.42 |
58.80 |
2.93 |
| Thelma and Louise * |
5/24/91 | 6.10 |
8.73 |
1179 |
5174.00 |
7128.1 |
43.43 |
62.20 |
7.12 |
| Contender, The |
10/13/00 | 5.36 |
5.99 |
1516 |
3536.00 |
3805.0 |
17.80 |
19.91 |
3.32 |
| Undisputed |
8/23/02 | 4.55 |
4.73 |
1102 |
4128.00 |
4128.0 |
12.40 |
12.89 |
2.73 |
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