Tough Guys
10 years before the debut of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. In 1979, Bill Viola and Frank Caliguri dreamed up a contest pitting barroom bigmouths against wrestlers, martial artists, boxers, bouncers and brawlers, billed as no-holds-barred new type of competitive fighting. When the fights succeeded beyond their wildest expectations, they were swept up in a chain of events that ended in the first mixed-martial arts ban in the nation. “Tough Guys” chronicles the inception of Caliguri and Viola’s first bouts and the colorful, crazy cast of fighters who made them a hit as well as the politicians who brought it all crashing down. The film brings to life a moment when the national martial arts craze was building to a crescendo as the economies of Pennsylvania steel towns were plummeting to levels of unemployment never seen, breeding desperate men looking for a chance to prove their worth and make some money in the ring.
Insights
Plot Summary
Two retired, aging criminals, who were once known as the "Tough Guys," are forced out of retirement when a new generation of gangsters threatens their lives and the community they've tried to distance themselves from. They must rely on their old skills and camaraderie to face the dangerous new threats.
Critical Reception
Tough Guys received mixed to negative reviews from critics, with many finding the plot predictable and the action sequences uninspired. Audience reception was similarly lukewarm, with some appreciating the performances of the veteran cast but others finding the film to be a generic crime thriller.
What Reviewers Say
- The film struggles with a derivative plot and a lack of original ideas.
- Performances from the lead actors are a highlight, though not enough to elevate the material.
- Action sequences are often forgettable and fail to generate significant excitement.
Google audience: Google users generally found the film to be an okay watch, with some praising the familiar faces and the attempt at a classic crime story. However, many felt it was an unoriginal and somewhat slow-paced film that didn't bring anything new to the genre.
Fun Fact
While Michael Douglas is the lead, the film also features cameos from martial arts legends Benny Urquidez and James L. Davis, who were known for their work in action films.
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