Review of Tough Enough

Struggling aspiring country singer Art Long (an excellent and engaging performance by Dennis Quaid) discovers that he has a genuine knack for boxing after he wins a local Toughman contest in Fort Worth, Texas. With the assistance of smart corner man/mentor P.T. Coolidge (a terrific portrayal by Stan Shaw) and wily opportunist promoter James Neese (marvelously played with hearty aplomb by Warren Oates in his last film role), Art puts it all on the line for the National Finals in Detroit, Michigan, where he has to defeat five men in a single night in order to secure a record contract, win $100,000 dollars, and earn the title of Toughest Man in America. Director Richard Fleischer, working from a compact and unpretentious script by John Leone, relates the engrossing story at a steady pace, maintains an amiable tone throughout, firmly grounds the plot in a believable working class reality, and stages the boxing matches with rough'n'ready gusto (the big climactic fight between Art and a formidable opponent in particular is quite brutal and exciting). With his buff physique, cocky swagger, and light on his feet moves, Quaid makes for a credible boxer -- and he's a surprisingly capable and appealing country singer, too. Moreover, Quaid's likable and charismatic presence has the viewer rooting for him all the way. This movie further benefits from sound acting by Carlene Watkins as Art's concerned wife Caroline, Pam Grier as P.T.'s supportive spouse Myra, Wildford Brimley as Art's proud father Bill, and Bruce McGill as Neese's slick partner Tony Fallon. James A. Contner's glossy cinematography provides a neat polished look. The lively score by Michael Lloyd and Steve Wax does the rousing trick. The jaunty and harmonic country soundtrack hits the tuneful spot as well. A nice little film.