Forget the Hype- It's a Contender- But It's No Heavyweight Champ!

Rating: Null/10 (15 January 2005)

I'm a little torn about this movie. first- i was a bit disappointed as i did buy into the hype surrounding it- after all Eastwood and Freeman together again? Boxing buddies instead of cowboys? sounded and looked like a sure winner. add to that the young female lead, Hillary Swank as a strong independent woman boxer to contrast the two old guys and the appeal just increased.
however- Million Dollar Baby is in no way this years A Beautiful Mind.
not even close.
don't get me wrong- it's a well made drama which uses some time honored recipes of film-making to make it's points but that's about all it is. there is little outstanding here. story, acting, direction- it's all been seen and done before. I'm not saying it was done badly, just previously. additionally- the boxing here is very poorly choreographed, nearly all of the actors come off looking cartoonish as they punch. i've seen many women's pro and amateur boxing matches- and the choreography here does those athletes little justice.
I do however give a nod to Ms. Swank as she pulled off her role as the 30-something trailer park trash-turned boxer very well. she was honest and believable and outshone her two co-stars, who looked like their UNFORGIVEN characters thrust into uncomfortable clothing.
think of Million Dollar Baby as ROCKY meets Brian's Song and you won't be too far off, except here Rocky doesn't win the title and Gayle Sayers becomes just another Joe.
It is a sad story, with very sad characters. but the scenes that should leave you wrenching your heart out leave you looking for the last few doritos in the bottom of the bag. the crumbs you get taste good- but they're just not the real thing.
the script is very well written and i did like the voice-over narration of Freeman, it was a nice touch.
Overall, I say a 7.5 out of 10. definitely worth watching, but not the Oscar-Sweeper everyone is saying it is.