Tough Enough (1983) User Reviews

Quaid makes it very watchable

[Boyo-2 · 6/10 · 15 June 2001]

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...

[Doylenf · 6/10 · 2 October 2007]

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.

Dennis Quaid made the movie.

[Hypguy02 · 6/10 · 27 May 2001]

Dennis Quaid did make the movie. The fight scenes were good, a few a little unbelievable, but overall was enjoyable. The supporting cast was also very good. It was somewhat of a fairy tale script. Keep this in mind when watching it if you haven't seen it yet. The direction lacked some punch, the script a little weak, but I still enjoyed seeing it, again and again.

Acting skills? Not so much.

[flackjacket · 1/10 · 1 November 2013]

I saw this movie for the first time today on broadcast TV. I watched, or rather, suffered through, the entire thing. And the whole time I kept thinking to myself - this would have been a really great movie if the lead actor could actually act. I didn't know his name, figured he'd never act again and that this must have been some kind of low budget B movie that blew their budget on sets rather than real actors... that and the fact that dude with the big mustache from the Quaker Oats commercial played the dad.

Each line he spoke was flat, fake, stiff and sounded like it was being read off a cue card by freshman who just signed up for the high school play. Or, a beginner, that didn't know how to get into character and didn't know how to feel the line. To be honest, he almost sounded drunk. It was especially noticeable, almost painful, in the first part of the film. But thankfully, the film has less lines for him in the last half, after it turns into a series of Rocky style fight scenes.

So that's why I was amazed when I came here and saw how many reviewers said the biggest flaw, the "actor" who played the lead role, is what made the film great. I was also amazed that he continued acting after this film and somehow became famous. Maybe it was the fight scenes where he didn't have any lines? Abs over acting skill? I don't know, but I know bad acting when see it. I originally came here to point out to aspiring actors, that if they need a prime example of how to NOT deliver a line, watch this film.

Decent film

[mm-39 · 6/10 · 2 September 2023]

Tough Enough is a decent film! The story of a country and Western wandabe singer tough guy is sappy. But Sappy in a good way. What works: Quade actually can sign. The forgotten American needing cash is a relatable story. Warren play a nasty promoter well, with short changing the guy who helps Quade who's be set up for a fall creates a villian and a good sub story. Tough Enough, Rocky story, has boxing scenes are well done. The bed time song with his kid was fun, but got the kid more hyper then sleepy!?! The ending with the country song in Quade's head while boxing the professional is a little too much! Would I buy Tough Enough no, but watch it again yes! 6 stars.

looking for the song "don't make me dream alone"

[barbara_lee_olson · 4/10 · 1 July 2007]

can anyone help me find the song, that was sung at the end of the show, Don't make me dream alone, I've looked on the internet and cant find any song by that name,, i am looking for the lyrics,, but have been unable to find them, as far as the movie goes i really liked it, but then again i am a big rocky fan, i love boxing and loved the singing in the show. i have also looked for the song on lime wire and still nothing, its almost like it really don't exist. but it does. I want to thank every one for letting me make this post i know I'm not good at it, but its really nice to be able to tell others how u do or don't like a film, and to be able to ask questions about it.

the songs in the movie

[spiderturd · 8/10 · 6 April 2011]

barbara_lee_olson and a1969cowboy heres the songs # "I Was Born A Dreamer" Performed by Mickey Gilley # "Tough Enough" Performed by T.G. Sheppard # "Rainbows Never Touch The Ground" Performed by Dennis Quaid # "Don't They Know Who I'm Gonna Be?" Performed by Dennis Quaid # "Motor City" (Instrumental) Performed by Blue Skies Band # "Tough Man Theme" (Instrumental) Performed by Blue Skies Band # "Cowtown Rag" Performed by Blue Skies Band # "I Was Born A Dreamer" (Instrumental) Performed by Blue Skies Band # "More Nights" Performed by Lane Brody # "You've Got The Touch" Performed by Johnny Tillotson An aspiring country/western singer, whose money is disappearing faster than his career opportunities, enters a "Tough Man" amateur boxing contest to earn some cash to pay his bills. Amazingly enough, he wins it, and is picked to go onto the national finals. He's torn between his first love, music, and the glitz, glamor and money of the "Tough Man" world

old country western brawling

[IrockGswift · 22 April 2003]

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!

looking for a song from this movie

[a1969cowboy · 10/10 · 12 August 2006]

The song I'm attempting to find the lyric's maybe sheet music to in tab is the one he is singing to his kids. I know kind of silly little ditty but i would love to learn and sing it to my kids any help would be highly appreciated. By the way this movie rocked i remember when it came out watching it and loving it as a kid and watched it several times since and just keeps getting funnier. thanks in advanced for any help.My favorite parts in the movie where all the fight scenes the characters where outrageously funny. The movie isn't for everyone how ever most southern folk should enjoy it thoroughly if they like this type of comedy with some odd little twists and turns its not all funny just bits and peaces mixed with some other stuff thrown in.

Tough Enough Goof

[nreef · 26 January 2003]

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

[Woodyanders · 8/10 · 17 September 2012]

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.