The vice president is dead, and as the president makes his choice for a replacement, a secret contest of wills is being waged by a formidable rival. When Senator Laine Hanson is nominated as the first woman in history to hold the office, hidden agendas explode into a battle for power.
Nominated for 2 Oscars. 1 win & 22 nominations total
Top Critics Reviews
fresh:
An entertaining ringside seat for backroom wannabes and beltway junkies.
– Terry Lawson,
Detroit Free Press,
1 Jan 2000
fresh:
The film's lively twists are not too difficult to see coming down the road, but the proceedings still hold our attention and keep us wanting to know how it's going to turn out.
– Kenneth Turan,
Los Angeles Times,
1 Jan 2000
fresh:
What The Contender lacks in sophistication and subtlety, it more than makes up for with sheer verve and chutzpah.
– Rene Rodriguez,
Miami Herald,
1 Jan 2000
fresh:
Streetsmart and savvy.
– Philip Wuntch,
Dallas Morning News,
1 Jan 2000
fresh:
Silly as it is, The Contender has a lurid zest that keeps you hooked, and a rambunctiously good cast.