How did it win this many Oscars? The Studios ...

Rating: 5/10 (1 March 2005)

I made a conscious effort to watch MDB (Million Dollar Baby) the day before the Oscars to have a film to root for (so I wouldn't have to root for Sideways ... terribly overrated). Well, the fact is that MDB is a weak script, very clichéd, and predictable (I won't give away the "twist" but it's not as daring as you might imagine).
While I think highly of Clint Eastwood as a director and his previous films (as a director), he needs to remove himself of the Woody Allen megalomaniac desire to be an actor. His acting was stiff and gruff (just like him) without any depth. People say that about Tom Cruise, but Clint Eastwood is just the same version but different vintage.
The weak script didn't prevent Hillary or Morgan from turning two brilliant performances. Hillary earned our empathy and our hearts while Morgan gave us a look into the darker side of a man.
This isn't a boxing movie; it's a character study. While the script is flawed, Morgan and Hillary do a wonderful job in turning a strong performance. As for the others, it's so-so.
And Oscar-worthy? Well, save it for the DVD.