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GIRLFIGHT is an absolutely splendid, indy, inner-city, amateur boxing drama about a high-school senior slash tomboy slash one-more-brawl- and-you're-out juvenile delinquent (Michelle Rodriquez) who wants to learn the ropes of learning the ropes at her local, street-corner gym. Struggles ensue, as she fights to get fit, tough, and be fairly treat- ed. Romance happens, too, as does the surprise blossoming of the lead character's femininity. (She starts the film as a militant-looking frump.) While the direction, by first-time filmmaker Karyn Kusama, isn't always the smoothest, the no-name cast is top-notch. Best-est is Rodriquez, whose surly, scowling, no-shit-taker could very well grab Oscar's attention. She's wonderful, as are many of the un- or lesser-known players. (Heck, the most recognizable face is a cameo by director and the film's executive producer John Sayles!) The script, also by Kusama, is a sturdy collage of standard sports and underdog cliches that's well-set within the gritty world of the Brooklyn "pro- jects." (Love that after-dark cacophony of car horns, crying babies, and booming stereos!) Yeah, the overall momentum could be a bit more consistent, sure, but all the right buttons get pushed. And at all the right times. Love, too, that first-person "boxing cam." Same for both a hellacious father-daughter confrontation and one unforgettable admission of amore from inside the ring: "I love you. WHAP!" (Rated "R"/110 min.) Grade: B+ Copyright 2000 by Michael J. Legeros Movie Hell is a trademark of Michael J. Legeros