The Opponent (2000) Reviews

• I call it Rocky VI

  MikeyMo_nl2004-07-27

  In this low budget action film Erika Eleniak, still gorgeous as ever, takes up boxing to release her emotions she has because she has a very possessive boyfriend who has got some loose hands. The film has an urban feeling which is good but we've already seen in it in Sly's Rocky franchise before. Especially training montages of Erika running through the streets in he gray jogging outfit makes you wonder if this isn't really Rocky VI released under a different name. The movie is a drama film, so there's more about relationships between people than boxing-matches (Erika only boxes in the ring twice) The one thing you keep waiting for is an eventual showdown between her and her abusive ex-boyfriend which just never happens. A miss in my eyes. The acting is good considering the lead is an ex-playmate and baywatch-star. The movie entertains and never gets dull. The movie isn't really originality itself but if you stumble upon it in a discount-bin in your local DVD-shop or come across it on TV, give it a chance. You might like it. And even if the story doesn't appeal to you: watching Erika Eleniak for 90 minutes can hardly be called "torment" I rate it a 6

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• This movie is AWESOME

  SnowWhiteSal2006-03-01

  I had eventually managed to get my hands on a copy of The Opponent on DVD and was so excited to sit down and finally watch it, was it worth the wait? absolutely!!!! (This may be considered a spoiler for some people, so beware) After years of domestic abuse, Patty (Erika Eleniak), finds an outlet for her anger in the ring of a community boxing club. She's spotted by the club fight promoter Fred (John Doman) and one of his round-club gals, June (Aunjanue Ellis). With the help of a trainer, former hopeful Tommy (James Colby), she begins to learn how to box and gain self-esteem. Tommy sees Patty's rage and tries to help her channel it in the ring. Patty learns a valuable lesson-the difference between fighting and boxing. When you fight, you lose. When you box, you win! As Patty's talents grow stronger so does her relationship with Tommy. In the end, Patty earns the self-confidence to stand up for what she believes in, the power to take control of her life and make it her own. The chemistry between Tommy and Patty was brilliant and restrained at first, to allow the plot to unfold before the fireworks go off between them. James Colby plays his part of Tommy really well, you actually believe he is this amazing boxer in real life. What I loved about this movie was that it wasn't just about boixng, it wasn't all about what they could get out of the sport, but what boxing would make of them, stronger and better outside of the ring!! Erika Eleniak is absolutely fantastic in this movie, she really shines through in this role and shows everyone just how talented she really is. Anyone wondering whether on not to see it, just do it, you'll love it :)

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• Better than most low budget films

  miken-32005-01-24

  You can see that this film was made with a bare-minimum budget but it is entertaining nonetheless. A physically abused woman tries to avoid her "loseeeer" boyfriend and ends up on the street with no place to go. A boxing promoter and another woman feel sorry for her situation and offer her $50 to look "pretty" and hold up round cards at a local boxing tournament. After the tournament, the three go to a bar but the woman gets bored and leaves asking the promoter's chauffeur to take her home. The chauffeur was one of the fighters at the tournament and she strikes up a conversation with him and learns that he teaches some kids how to box when he is not driving. With all the anger in her because of her boyfriend, she shows up at the boxer's gym asking for lessons. He finally agrees and the woman is determined to learn how to fight to get back at her boyfriend. Anger is her inspiration and allows her to get through the vigorous training. Through sheer luck she is able to win her first match and also to stand up to her ex-boyfriend. Obviously a romance develops between her and her boxing coach, which later impedes on their professional relationship. If you take the movie for what it is you will be surprised at what the director was able to do on so limited a budget. I give it a little bit better than 7 stars.

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