It's hard to believe they actually made this film. What were they thinking? Better yet, what were Gene Hackman, Jeff Fahey, and Jennifer Beals thinking? They do a decent job in the acting area but the plot is so stale it looks like a fight film from the 40s. And the fight scenes are so staged it looks an amateur film. I mean, after "Rocky" we are all used to some pretty good fight scenes where it looks like the guy is actually being hit.

If you like fight films there are two good Rocky films, especially the first which I thought was excellent. As they continued to make them they ultimately devalued the original, but at the time I thought it was brilliant. Now that it is a cliché it's hard to remember how powerful the original was. In addition to Rocky I liked "The Fighter" (2010), "Warrior" (2011), "Fight Club" (1999), "Raging Bull" (1980), "Cinderella Man" (2005), "Champion" (1949), and "The Set-up" (1949). Of course I've left out the Kung Fu genre.

Gene Hackman takes a secondary role in this melodramatic boxing drama. Hackman is Dan McGuinn, who is training his younger son Eddie (Craig Sheffer) to enter the Olympic boxing team. Dan still harbors deep resentment toward his other son, Ray (Jeff Fahey), who turned pro and signed with slimy promoter Lou (Carmine Caridi). Ray comes home for a visit, readying to fight the smug, villainous Pedroza (Eddie Velez). Dan and Ray are still at odds, despite Dan's father's (John McLiam) efforts. Lou makes a deal with mob boss guy Benny (James Tolkan) to have Ray throw the fight. Ray refuses, and Benny's goons (including Pedroza) break Ray's hand before tossing him out a window to his death. The one witness to the murder ain't talking, and Eddie cannot go through with a half-hearted attempt to off Pedroza. Eddie then comes up with a convenient idea. He will fight Pedroza in the ring, avenging his brother. Dan reluctantly agrees to train Eddie, and the big fight is on.

If you took all the subplots from all the "Rocky" films, you would have this movie. The acting is very good, everyone plays lower middle-class boxer people extremely well. Hackman is especially good, a scene where he breaks down over Ray's death is unexpected and sad. Sheffer and Fahey do not play the McGuinn brothers as very bright, and that makes them more sympathetic. Dan, his son, and his father all live in the same apartment. Jennifer Beals is given a totally thankless role, about ten speaking lines, as a former girlfriend of Ray's who begins warming up to Eddie. Their romance is not pursued, and nothing really comes of it. Drury's direction is great, thanks in part to his New York City locations. There is a grittiness here that you do not find in any of "Rocky"'s sequels. Basil Poledouris' musical score is heavy on '80's synth, and sounds like every other score to come out of the decade. My biggest problem with the film was the script. Despite Ray being beaten and thrown out of a window, his death is ruled an accident. The silent witness, Eddie's decision to fight Pedroza, and the fact that the murderers all agree to the fight- none of it makes sense. Of course, everything is wrapped up in the final minutes in one tidy package, but the script takes the easy way out. "Split Decisions" fumbles its screenplay, and barely clocks in at an hour and a half. While it is a good looking film, thinking about it will make you mad. What a wasted opportunity.

I can't remember if I saw this Movie at the theatre but have Loved it since I found the VHS at my local Video Store Years back. In remembrance of Gene Hackman s Birthday I bought the DVD on Amazon and rewatched again. Totally underated Boxing Movie that is For Sure. The Fighting McGuinns could match up with ROCKY in the Ring anyway. Straight Forward Story. Mob Guys want something the Brothers won't do and Dad and Grandad help. Pretty Violent but Brothers Love Strong ! Family Loyalty abides.