Der Fighter

TOUGH GUY is another boxing film that is somewhat reminiscent of the old Kirk Douglas film, CHAMPION, except that the character DENNIS QUAID plays is not stepping on people in his way up the ladder of success. Instead, Quaid plays an aspiring country singer in need of cash who decides to compete in the "Tough Man" boxing contest. He falls into the hands of an unscrupulous manager, well played by WARREN OATES, and wins a number of fights (in what appears to be "against all odds" judging from some of the other contenders).

It's a fast-moving tale, colorfully enacted and giving Quaid a chance to warble a couple of pleasant country western songs while strumming a guitar. But he's ferocious in all of the fighting scenes and really does look like a convincing boxer in some amazingly well staged matches that stand inspection even under the merciless eye of the close-up camera.

Quaid is so good--and the other players are equally competent--that they lift the film out of the "average" category into "very watchable" territory. Passes the time quickly in an hour and forty-six minutes.

The script could have been a lot tidier, especially for the climactic fight scene and the end result is a film that's message is no more than follow your dream no matter what.

Dennis Quaid did make the movie. The fight scenes were good, a few a little unbelievable, but overall was enjoyable. The supporting cast was also very good. It was somewhat of a fairy tale script. Keep this in mind when watching it if you haven't seen it yet. The direction lacked some punch, the script a little weak, but I still enjoyed seeing it, again and again.

can anyone help me find the song, that was sung at the end of the show, Don't make me dream alone, I've looked on the internet and cant find any song by that name,, i am looking for the lyrics,, but have been unable to find them, as far as the movie goes i really liked it, but then again i am a big rocky fan, i love boxing and loved the singing in the show. i have also looked for the song on lime wire and still nothing, its almost like it really don't exist. but it does. I want to thank every one for letting me make this post i know I'm not good at it, but its really nice to be able to tell others how u do or don't like a film, and to be able to ask questions about it.

A guy who fights for the money but dreams of being a singer...sounds a lot like a script that had Elvis' fingerprints on it. Dennis Quaid is perfectly cast in this small, non-offensive drama, as a guy with a dream, a mean streak and a guitar who uses his status as a fighter to get a recording contract. He is helped by Stan Shaw and Pam Grier and his wife and makes it to Detroit for the National Tough Man competition. Nice to see Stan Shaw play a character who isn't barefoot and in overalls - he patented the backwards kid in the back woods in such movies as "The Great Santini" and "Fried Green Tomatoes."

Movie is a little dated and there's not a whole lot that is memorable, but on the other hand its not a waste of time either.

This is a good buddy-flick with Stan Shaw and Dennis Quaid. It kind of reminds me of Rocky III. The movie seems meaningless but it has some hilarious moments. Check out Pam Grier who plays Stan Shaw's wife. She's hot!