Main Cast: Erika Eleniak, James Colby, Aunjanue Ellis, John Doman, Harry O'Reilly
Release Year: 2000
Country: US
Run Time: 90 minutes
Plot
A woman finds a whole new world opens up to her when she learns to stand up to the man who beats her in this independent drama. Patty (Erika Eleniak) is a woman involved in an abusive relationship who decides to take boxing lessons to better protect herself when her boyfriend becomes violent. While practicing at a health club, Patty attracts the attention of June (Aunjanue Ellis) and Fred (John Doman); she's a female boxer and he's a promoter who books fights at local clubs. Both June and Fred think Patty might have what it takes to go pro, and they introduce her to Tommy (James Colby), a trainer who runs a local gym and who helps Patty get into fighting shape. In June, Patty finds a friend who gives her a good reason to get away from her boyfriend, and she begins a slow but steady climb up the ladder of the women's boxing circuit. The Opponent was the first feature for writer and director Eugene Jarecki. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
Review
Former Playboy Playmate and Baywatch babe Erika Eleniak drops her blonde bimbo routine for a stab at real acting, and she's very convincing, holding her own with theatrically trained James Colby. Debuting director Eugene Jarecki, who has a comfortable, pretense-free artful style, tries to minimize the obvious parallels to the original Rocky and it works, for the most part. The Opponent works best as a melodrama since the action sequences -- particularly the boxing matches -- reveal their budgetary limitations. Luckily, Jarecki's grainy, somewhat rough-hewn style conveys the grittiness of the story. The film's emotional content overcomes whatever problems there are, at least for the patient, forgiving viewer. This is a small, nifty indie showcasing a lot of promising talent, both in front of and behind the camera. ~ Buzz McClain, All Movie Guide
