Susan Granger’s review of “GIRLFIGHT” (Screen Gems)
Curiously coinciding with the culmination of the summer Olympics, this is a female twist on the perennially popular, “Rocky”-genre underdog tale. Written and directed by Karyn Kusama, the coming-of-age story focuses on Diana Guzman (Michelle Rodriguez), a sullen, tough, pugnacious, young Latina who is determined to carve a different future for herself. But in Brooklyn’s Red Hook projects, there are not many choices. If she doesn’t get pregnant, she’s going to wind up in a dead-end job. “Your mother was a receptionist in a very nice office,” her widower father (Paul Calderon) reminds her. So – without parental consent – she sneaks into the ring and immediately views boxing as a viable ticket out of poverty. The shabby gym becomes her sanctuary. She’s encouraged by her paternal coach (Jaime Tirelli) who recognizes her featherweight potential and channels her rebellious rage into the discipline of the sport, despite the inevitable ridicule and harassment. There’s even a romantic twist provided by a fellow boxer (Santiago Douglas) who competes with her in the ring. But the climactic fight is too long and predictable. Plus, the script is burdened with heavy-handed dramatic confrontations and awkward dialogue. Nevertheless, with her mean left hook and a big mouth, Michelle Rodriguez – who’s reminiscent of a youthful Marlon Brando – exhibits all the unaffected feistiness necessary to make her a winner. Indeed, this feminist fairy-tale was highly acclaimed at Sundance, Cannes, Deauville and Toronto. And it’s not surprising that the brilliant independent film-maker John Sayles lent his expertise as executive producer. On the Granger Movie Gauge of 1 to 10, “Girlfight” is a poignant, satisfying 7 – if you like seeing a muscular girl pummeling and pounding her opponents.
