I'm glad to read all the positive reviews about "Gladiator," as it truly is one of the finest boxing films out there. Great location shooting is one of the movie's strong points; the streets of Chicago look truly mean and cold, and the school that Tommy Riley has to attend looks more like a prison. Director Rowdy Herrington creates a world that is threatening, from the school gangs, to the nasty loan sharks who are after Tommy's father, and the brutal world of illegal boxing, which is a scene that has little to do with the legitimate sport of boxing. Coming from the affluent suburbs, Tommy has to adapt fast to the violent South Side Chicago scene, and being white doesn't help his situation. He finds some good friends in Lincoln and Romano. The three friends all become involved in the underground boxing tournaments, all for their own personal reasons, and soon find themselves in bad situations. It's nice to see an R rated boxing film, that doesn't shy away from the violence. Underground boxing is a truly violent sport, as there are no rules in the ring. It is boxing without honor or pity. The result is some surprisingly bloody matches. Fantastic, pulsating soundtrack perfectly evokes the time of the early 90's as does the accurate street style clothing of the time. I especially like the character Romano, a wise cracking, energetic Cuban boxer, always optimistic as he plans out his bright future as a professional fighter, that doesn't turn out the way he hopes. On a side note, I was very lucky to find the leather coat that the Romano character wears in one scene, in a shop that sells costumes and clothing worn in films. Every time I wear it I feel some of Romano's positive energy and it brightens my day. Anyway, I recommend this awesome boxing movie to fans, as it's one of the best. This is not glossy, soap opera junk like the lousy "South Paw," but rather the real deal..a tough fight film that does not pull it's punches.

Gladiator (1992) Columbia DTV 101m Director: Rowdy Harrington Stars: James Marshall, Cuba Gooding Jr., Robert Loggia, Brian DennehyTommy Riley is a new transfer to the slums of Chicago. Out of his element, Tommy keeps to himself but winds up caught up in the addictive world of underground fighting circuit. But the neighborhood and the elements surround him as the ring threatens to end him for good."Gladiator" is highly derivative and definitely unoriginal but this mixture of urban teen drama and "Rocky" has its own charm and I enjoy it. It may not be original but it has a little heart and is well done and acted. (3.5/5)/

I am sure that a lot of people picked this up thinking, as I did, they were going to see Russell Crowe. Actually I was going to watch Crowe for the third of fourth time, when this came on. I said, hey, there is snow, but where are the soldiers.I'm really glad i made the mistake, because it was an interesting flick. No, it wasn't the excitement of the coliseum, but the excitement in the ring was just as good.Now, I like Cuba Gooding, Jr. and I thought he did a really good job here, especially his relationship with Tommy Riley (James Marshall).Lots of good actors here: Robert Loggia, Brian Dennehy, and Ossie Davis.Addicted fathers, greedy promoters, toughs on the street, it had it all except a justification for the "R" rating, and a realistic ending. If it had been real, Horn would just have killed him when he lost.

This movie is proof that a great movie doesn't have to cost a lot of money. you just have to pick the right elements. a good story, picking the right cast, the right filming places. After seeing Cuba gooding Jr. in this movie i became a big fan of his. it's to bad thats he does these the rich guy kind of easy parts these days. this was some really good acting of him. It felt real. 1 question though. Why did an actor like James Marshall never make it big time. I like the vibe he brings to the white screen. and Robert Loggia..who doesn't like his raw, had to much whiskey kind of voice. Jon Seda, a real struggling boy in this movie, through the years he gotten even greater. keep on going the right way Jon !!!My Final conclusion: most boxing film do not have a lot of dept. Thy this one boys...this one is definitely in my personal top 5