Against the ropes: rated PG-13 Paramount Pictures

Jet, Feb 23, 2004 by Sylvia P. Flanagan

Against The Ropes is a fictionalized drama inspired by the real-life story of female boxing manager Jackie Kallen. Kallen, 36, the daughter of a trainer, is ready to carry on the family tradition. After drinks with sportscaster Gavin Reese, Jackie ends up in a verbal sparring match with the Midwest's boxing kingpin, Sam LaRocca.

Just to belittle her, he sells her the contract of one of his fighters, Devon Greene, for a dollar. When she goes to his apartment to tell him that she's his new manager, she finds Luther Shaw, his drug dealer, beating him up. Instantly, she recognizes that it is Luther, not Devon, who has the potential to be her boxing champion. She convinces him to be a boxer and veteran trainer Felix Reynolds to help. At the same time she turns herself into one of the most successful female managers in boxing history. Starring: Omar Epps, Meg Ryan, Charles S. Dutton, Kerry Washington, Tony Shalhoub, Tim Daly and Joe Cortese. Directed by Charles S. Dutton.