This one is better than you might expect. I remember when the girlfriend chose it. 'It probably sucks but it's Meg Ryan', she said. Well it is Meg Ryan and it definitely doesn't suck. In fact it's very very good.
Jackie Kallen has lived around the boxing ring all her life. The world of boxing is as chauvinistic as they come. Jackie is tired of being treated like dirt and sticks up for herself and suddenly finds herself a promoter. And through determination she makes it work.
We started by watching the special features and that might be a good idea for anyone so you get a good idea of what the story's about. It's supposedly not a biopic but is 'inspired' by Jackie Kallen's life, and hopefully more so than It Could Happen To You.
And the stacked deck is used throughout the movie to great effect. And Ryan carries her lines and her part excellently. She is still Meg Ryan - that's her curse, she's that good and loved - but she's also Jackie Kallen, and very convincing at it.
Omar Epps should have got his name above the title too as he's also very good. And watch for Tony Shalhoub in a distinctly unsavoury role.
Directed by Charles Dutton who also has a part in the movie, it works well and reaches a satisfactory climax, and you really feel it's been worth the ride - for Jackie, for Meg and the other stars and people on the project, and for you.
