The Contender (2000) Critic Reviews

Metascore®:

68 =
Based upon 12 Critic Reviews
See all The Contender (2000) reviews at
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Chicago Sun-Times | Roger EbertAdd Critic to Favorites

One of those rare movies where you leave the theater having been surprised and entertained, and then start arguing.Read the full review

San Francisco Chronicle | Bob GrahamAdd Critic to Favorites

Thoroughly engrossing.Read the full review

Los Angeles Times | Kenneth TuranAdd Critic to Favorites

It does move right along and it's enlivened by stronger, more enjoyable acting than this kind of picture usually provides.Read the full review

The New York Times | Stephen HoldenAdd Critic to Favorites

A cast that chews the scenery with such obvious enjoyment that you're happy to put up with its tin-eared oratory and preposterous plot turns for the sake of a good ride.Read the full review

Washington Post | Stephen HunterAdd Critic to Favorites

As entertainment of a tawdry but compelling sort, The Contender certainly delivers.Read the full review

Slate | David EdelsteinAdd Critic to Favorites

Has a nonsensical twist ending that almost wrecks it, but until then it has enough fast, hyperliterate venality to make it great fun.Read the full review

Entertainment Weekly | Lisa SchwarzbaumAdd Critic to Favorites

Engages in the cinematic equivalent of not inhaling.Read the full review

USA Today | Mike ClarkAdd Critic to Favorites

Compelling and provocative -- though not memorable.Read the full review

Variety | Emanuel LevyAdd Critic to Favorites

The large, talented cast elevates the film above the trappings of its loquacious debates, particularly Allen.Read the full review

Rolling Stone | Peter TraversAdd Critic to Favorites

Until The Contender slips into partisan politics and platitudinous piety, it's a lively, entertaining ride.Read the full review

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