Well Acted but FLAWED and OVERRATED

Rating: Null/10 (14 March 2005)

***SPOILERS THROUGHOUT***
The acting in this film was impressive, but a few comments must be made. Seeing Freeman narrating another movie is a little too familiar for me. In addition, as good a job as Swank did (oscar is deserved), I do think it's a role that 10+ other actresses today could have done just as well. The role didn't ask for much in the way character development or introspection; it was most important that she came off as being a believable boxer.
I think think movie was good, not great, and my reasons are:
1- You can NEVER hit an opponent when they have a knee touching the canvas. If you do, you are immediately DQ'D (it happened to Roy Jones Jr a few years ago)...Maggie would have won the fight as soon as that happened (are we as viewer supposed to ignore the rules?) 2- Are we really to believe that a fighter wears a nickname on their back for a significant period of time, is referred to by that nickname numerous times, but does not know what it means? I know that she asks Franky many times what MO CHUISLE means, and this movie seems to take place in the 1980's or so (look of cars, rotary phones, etc..), but wouldn't an industrious person such as Maggie try and find out on here own---i know there is no internet, but perhaps a 10 minute trip to a local library? 3- The story line of Danger did nothing for me in and of itself, nor did it add to the story line--except to allow for closure for Eddie...pretty hokey for me. 4- Wouldn't Franky have reconnected the oxygen mask and turn the machine back on after he committed his last deed, so that the would avoid suspicion and possibly be accused of murder? 5- Are we really to believe that Maggie's white trash family is that despicable? Wouldn't they have latched on to Maggie after her new found professional and monetary success? I think these characters were too awful for the Jerry Springer Show
There are other points, but you get the picture. For me, a GREAT movie is one where I am not left with so many issues that are devoid of both common sense and reality.