Tough Enough (1983)

64% of users liked it
(134 ratings)

In this sports-oriented drama, Art Long (Dennis Quaid), a loser as a country singer, starts competing in local fist-fight matches in order to bring home a little extra cash -- and is caught up in his successes enough to continue on to the big national finals. Predictable from the first round… More In this sports-oriented drama, Art Long (Dennis Quaid), a loser as a country singer, starts competing in local fist-fight matches in order to bring home a little extra cash -- and is caught up in his successes enough to continue on to the big national finals. Predictable from the first round onwards, Long is supported by his wife (Carlene Watkins), his father (Wilford Brimley), his mother (Fran Ryan), his friends, his fight promoter (Warren Oates) and just about everyone except his opponents in the ring. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 47 min.
Directed By: Richard Fleischer
Genres: Drama

In Theaters: May 20, 1983 Wide
On DVD: Nov 7, 2006

Critic Reviews

Chuck O'Leary, FulvueDrive-in.com
Tough Enough is a countrified Rocky wannabe that just isn't good enough.

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Featured Audience Ratings

Randy T

I have an odd connection to <i>Tough Enough</i>. When I got out of the service in 1986 I went to work in Dallas. One of my coworkers was a big burly dude named Larry. When film crews came to town, as they often did, Larry would go down and line up to be an extra or… More
I have an odd connection to <i>Tough Enough</i>. When I got out of the service in 1986 I went to work in Dallas. One of my coworkers was a big burly dude named Larry. When film crews came to town, as they often did, Larry would go down and line up to be an extra or walk-on. I asked him if it was ever worth the time and effort and he told me about the tiny, non-speaking role he had in this obscure film called 'Tough Enough'. I searched the video stores and found a copy to rent. If you freeze frame one of the fight scenes you can see Larry in the ring being defeated by another 'actor'. The next day at work Larry asked me what I thought. "It was cool to see you but the film wasn't all that great" I said. Larry didn't speak to me for weeks. Apparently I insulted his artistic integrity.
Burger S

I should watch this again. MMA eat your heart out.