The Contender

While Lurie's script is intelligent and accessible (...) more than anything it's his ability with actors that shines through here: the aforementioned Bridges is on top form, and Allen in a contending position for the Oscar.

This is one of those rare movies where you leave the theater having been surprised and entertained, and then start arguing.

...Rod Lurie's directorial debut isn't just a dry lesson in politics. Lurie keeps the proceedings brisk and accessible, guiding us through the selection process with a keen sense of what makes good, gripping drama...

Buster Crabbe plays a truck driver who turns to prizefighting to keep his kid in an expensive military academy...