Rocky gets a prison-block makeover in Undisputed, and the generic combination packs a vicious one-two punch. Owing much to the macho, gut-busting B movies of Hollywood's golden age, this no-nonsense drama gets right down to business, beginning when heavyweight champ "Iceman" Chambers (Ving Rhames) enters Sweetwater prison on a rape charge. The prison has a boxing program, and convicted killer Monroe Hutchen (Wesley Snipes) is the 10-year undefeated champion. A challenge bout is coordinated by an aging mobster prisoner (Peter Falk) and the head guard (Michael Rooker), and Undisputed pummels its way to its brutal and unpredictable conclusion. Colorful characters abound (foul-mouthed Falk is the hilarious standout), and seasoned director Walter Hill (coscripting with his Alien partner David Giler) brings them together with invigorating focus. There's not an ounce of fat on this tough-minded movie, and even its inevitable outcome seems freshly unexpected. Obviously inspired by Mike Tyson's ill-fated escapades, Undisputed turns fact into potent cellblock fiction. --Jeff Shannon
Ten years ago, Monroe Hutchen (WESLEY SNIPES) was a rising boxing star in California. But one night, in a fit of passion, he committed a crime that led to a life sentence without the possibility of parole. He’s serving his time in the newly built Sweetwater Prison in the Mojave Desert— a maximum security level 5 state correctional institution for murderers, armed robbers, rapists, and those connected to gangs and organized crime. Hutchen continues boxing in the Inter-prison Boxing Program with a record of 67 wins and no losses. The prisoners consider him their hero… their undisputed champion boxer. Resigned to spending the rest of his life in prison, Hutchen still harbors the haunting question as to whether he would have amounted to anything as a boxer outside the prison walls.
Now, the toughest guy on the inside of Sweetwater gets the chance he never expected: to fight the World Heavyweight Champion George "Iceman" Chambers (VING RHAMES), who's just been sent to prison. Regarded as one of the greatest offensive fighters in the history of boxing — Iceman is sentenced to 6-8 years on a charge of rape, which he vigorously denies. He’s angry that at the peak of his career he’s being kept from enjoying and protecting his undisputed champion status. The arrogant Iceman considers himself more gladiator than sportsman, saying, “people play baseball… nobody plays boxing”.
Also serving time at Sweetland is Emmanuel “Mendy” Ripstein (PETER FALK), whose gangland ties can be traced back to Batista’s Cuba. Though in prison, he’s still well connected with the Mob, the State government, and even the Department of Corrections parole board. Serving a life sentence for tax evasion, the grizzled old man (and boxing aficionado) hasn’t lost his edge even though his health is fading.
In the tension that exists between the two fighters, Mendy sees his opportunity to promote one last big fight— even if it’s behind bars— between the Heavyweight champion of the world and an unbeaten prospect. Mendy lures Iceman into the fight by promising him a chance to get released on special parole. Getting Hutchen into the ring is harder. He’s a gentler soul, who has accepted his life behind bars. Hutchen imagines sending the prize money to his sister and her three kids, and is intrigued by having a shot at fighting a professional champion.
With the fight set, the prison warden conveniently goes on vacation, after a conversation with Mendy. The chief guard assumes the role of timekeeper and an in-prison rap group (led by MASTER P) provides the pre-fight entertainment. For security, the ring is enclosed in a giant iron combat cage topped with razor wire. Bleachers on all four sides are filled with raucous inmates who know they’ll be the only witnesses to this moment in boxing history.
One man fighting for his honor, another fighting for his future... only one will emerge from the ring UNDISPUTED.
4.
Two Enemies.... The Mob.... The Ultimate Showdown.
Two of Hollywood's hottest stars - Wesley Snipes (Blade 1 & 2, Passenger 57) and Ving Rhames (Pulp Fiction, Mission: Impossible 1 & 2) - go head to head in this explosive crime thriller! When the world's heavyweight champion (Rhames) is sent to prison, everything points to an inevitable showdown with the penitentiary's undefeated champ (Snipes). But to make sure the meeting will happen, a former mob boss (Peter Falk, TV's Columbo, Corky Romano) must call in favors from the outside world. Then the battle is on.... and the action, adrenaline and intensity switch into high gear! Also featuring Master P (Rhyme & Reason, I Got the Hook-Up) and Ed Lover (Ride) - this powerfully entertaining motion picture is another crowd pleaser from the hit making director of 48 Hrs., Another 48 Hrs. and Last Man Standing!
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