Tough Enough (1983) Reviews

• Quaid makes it very watchable

  Boyo-22001-06-15

  A guy who fights for the money but dreams of being a singer...sounds a lot like a script that had Elvis' fingerprints on it. Dennis Quaid is perfectly cast in this small, non-offensive drama, as a guy with a dream, a mean streak and a guitar who uses his status as a fighter to get a recording contract. He is helped by Stan Shaw and Pam Grier and his wife and makes it to Detroit for the National Tough Man competition. Nice to see Stan Shaw play a character who isn't barefoot and in overalls - he patented the backwards kid in the back woods in such movies as "The Great Santini" and "Fried Green Tomatoes." Movie is a little dated and there's not a whole lot that is memorable, but on the other hand its not a waste of time either.

• Dennis Quaid carries the film with fine performance...

  Doylenf2007-10-02

  TOUGH GUY is another boxing film that is somewhat reminiscent of the old Kirk Douglas film, CHAMPION, except that the character DENNIS QUAID plays is not stepping on people in his way up the ladder of success. Instead, Quaid plays an aspiring country singer in need of cash who decides to compete in the "Tough Man" boxing contest. He falls into the hands of an unscrupulous manager, well played by WARREN OATES, and wins a number of fights (in what appears to be "against all odds" judging from some of the other contenders). It's a fast-moving tale, colorfully enacted and giving Quaid a chance to warble a couple of pleasant country western songs while strumming a guitar. But he's ferocious in all of the fighting scenes and really does look like a convincing boxer in some amazingly well staged matches that stand inspection even under the merciless eye of the close-up camera. Quaid is so good--and the other players are equally competent--that they lift the film out of the "average" category into "very watchable" territory. Passes the time quickly in an hour and forty-six minutes. The script could have been a lot tidier, especially for the climactic fight scene and the end result is a film that's message is no more than follow your dream no matter what.

• old country western brawling

  IrockGswift2003-04-22

  This is a good buddy-flick with Stan Shaw and Dennis Quaid. It kind of reminds me of Rocky III. The movie seems meaningless but it has some hilarious moments. Check out Pam Grier who plays Stan Shaw's wife. She's hot!

• Tough Enough Goof

  nreef2003-01-26

  During the last fight scene in the movie, the ringside time keeper Tony Fallon played by actor Bruce Mcgill has the entire front of his powder blue suit jacket and white shirt sprayed with blood from the fight. Only a minute later after the fight is over the blood has vanished.

• Dennis Quaid shines in this enjoyable boxing drama

  Woodyanders2012-09-17

  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.