Girlfight MPAA Rating: R Entertainment: +1 Content: -3

Boxing is about perseverance. Its about standing up after getting knocked down, just like life. Resilient and determined Diana (Michelle Rodriguez), a troubled teenage girl, decides to take up boxing. But succeeding at a sport dominated by men is not an easy prospect. She gets knocked down physically in the ring, but at home her spirit takes a beating. Her controlling father doesnt understand her and her mother committed suicide many years earlier. In boxing, though, Diana finds something that she can passionately throw herself into. She also meets Adrian (Santiago Douglas), another boxer, and finds someone else passionate about boxing and her. The movie seems to realistically portray life in poor Hispanic neighborhoods of New York City. Even with realistic scenery, the films actors are average at best and never really connect on an emotional level. Add a limited release, and the film goes down for the count at the box office.

The film does a fine job of paralleling Dianas life with a boxing match. She gets knocked down, but keeps getting up again. She seems to have very little positive going in life, yet she determines to learn how to box and be competitive at it. To see Diana persevere through many trials and setbacks is surely a positive experience. The film portrays the difficulties encountered as she struggles to succeed in a job most would reserve for men. This highlights her resiliency even more. Dianas example should be inspiring for young women feeling pressure in predominantly male career fields. However, the movies realistic edge provides numerous opportunities for gritty language, including 28 f-words, 19 s-words, and 8 moderate crudities. Several scenes include boxers sparring and in boxing matches, which occasionally shows cuts and bruises to the face. Theres also some sexual dialogue, although scattered rather lightly throughout the film. When it comes down to it though, foul language knocks GIRLFIGHT out of the acceptable viewing ring.

Preview Reviewer: John Adair
Distributor: Sony Pictures Entertainment, 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232