Charles S. Dutton as Felix, left to right, Meg Ryan as Jackie and Omar Epps as Luther in the film "Against the Ropes." (Gannett News Service, Allen Yee/Paramount Pictures) Against the Ropes Starring: Meg Ryan, Omar Epps, Charles S. Dutton, Tony Shaloub. Director: Charles S. Dutton. Rated PG-13: Profanity, fight violence. Running time: 111 minutes. view the trailer | official website A biopic inspired by true events in the life of renowned boxing manager Jackie Kallen, a middle-aged Jewish mother from Michigan, who guided the careers of several, hi-profile, professional boxers, including four world champions such as: middleweight champ James Lights Out Toney, as well as Bronco McKart, and Thomas Hearns. The drama focuses on her relationship with one boxer, in particular, Luther Shaw, a light-heavyweight contender from the inner-city, whose life and career Kallen helped to turn around; and likewise, Kallen's life and career came into focus due to Shaw and his influence on her growth.

by Jack Garner, Gannett News Service

For Jackie Kallen, the glass ceiling is over a boxing ring. As played by Meg Ryan in "Against the Ropes," Jackie is a woman looking to make a name for herself in the male-dominated world of professional boxing.

The story obviously echoes "Erin Brockovich," another relatively recent female-empowerment saga with better performances and a more substantive script. And, in both cases, a popular actress tries to stretch her persona into a rough, tough, blue-collar world, laced with testosterone.

But while Julia Roberts and her writers stayed fairly loyal to Brockovich's real-life adventures in advocacy law, "Against the Ropes" seems pure fancy. Maybe that's why the screen credits say "inspired by" instead of based on the life of boxing promoter Jackie Kallen.

The real Kallen was a sports journalist who began a PR firm and represented boxer Thomas Hearns. In logical succession, she became his manager, admittedly tackling a male-dominated sport. The story here has been downgraded to a lightweight distaff
"Rocky" of a made-for-TV quality.

As it opens, Kallen is the unappreciated, 36-year-old secretary for the manager of a sports arena in Cleveland. She wants more responsibility; he wants his coffee with cream.

Kallen gets sassy with a big-time fight promoter after one of his boxers is pummeled in the ring. He's Sam LaRocca, a slimy boxing kingpin, wonderfully played by the always-resourceful Tony Shalhoub. LaRocca says if you think you can do better with the boxer, you can have his contract for a buck. She takes him up on the deal.

Though the fighter is a bust, he leads Kallen to a better, but still unknown boxer (a scrappy Omar Epps), who becomes Kallen's ticket to feminist breakthrough.

Of course, the film comes down to a big make-it-or-break-it fight, but it's uncomfortable watching how director Charles S. Dutton maneuvers the sequence so it looks like Kallen wins the fight from outside the ropes, even though it's Epps taking the punches.

Ryan brings the sex appeal and spunk you'd expect to the role. But, like the movie, she never successfully delves below the surface.

"Against the Ropes" offers some entertaining punches, but ultimately goes down on a split decision.