You all know the "Rocky" series. You've all seen "The Million Dollar Baby". Some of you may have even viewed a personal favorite of mine "Gladiator" starring Cuba Gooding Jr. Chances are though, you have not seen "Split Decisions". Funny to think that a movie starring Gene Hackman would be forgotten in the bowels of your local independent video store, but alas it has. Like all the above mentioned films, "Split Decisions" is the story of a young boxer dealing with the hardships of tough street life and white man poverty. Craig Scheffer stars as a promising young amateur boxer, who has a fast track to the Olympics and a ticket to a solid college. His father played by the Hack-man trains his son, and wants the best for him. He doesn't want him to end up like his brother who has looked to make big paydays and gain stardom by fighting pro for scummy promoters.
I don't want to give too much away, but even your little sister can probably assume what happens next. Corruption and revenge are the major themes here, with a hint of family togetherness. Movie-goers will of course recognize the great Gene Hackman, but only movie nerds will recognize the rest of the cast. Craig Scheffer (one of my favorite actors and will more than likely be a staple of this blog) plays the lead. You may recognize him from "Some Kind of Wonderful", "A River Runs Through It", or "Nightbreed". You also have Jeff Fahey who will more than likely be recognized as the weird pilot on "Lost" these days. But I love to remember him as slow Jobe from "The Lawnmower Man" and the creepy drifter from "Psycho III". Many 80's nerds will also recognize Jennifer Beals of "Flashdance" fame, but here role is utterly pointless in this movie. This won't be the most innovative movie in the boxing sub-genre, but this forgotten film ranks among the better boxing movies in my opinion. Craig Scheffer can't really box, but its ok, we forgive him.
*2 1/2 Lance Approvals*
Lance Henriksen wants you to watch this instead of "Girlfight". But he wants you to know he packs a meaner punch.
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