Flash Movie Review: Grudge Match
Early on in my teaching years I became aware I was not only the instructor but the student. The members who attended my classes were not aware they were presenting me with a life changing gift. They showed me that age was only a number. Prior to teaching fitness I did not have an example of an older individual who continued to be active, either in a professional or physical capacity. In my classes I would see people in their 70’s and 80’s keeping up with strength training and aerobic activities. My most profound experience was watching a wheelchair bound member, who after a few months, got up out of their seat in one of my yoga classes. It changed my whole outlook about growing up and growing old. Since that time I am all for people who do not let their age stop them from being active and utilizing their skills. So this brings us to today’s review of this comedy film. The story was about 2 former boxers Henry ‘Razor’ Sharp and Billy ‘The Kid’ McDonnen, played by Sylvester Stallone (Escape Plan, Rocky franchise) and Robert De Niro (Casino, The Family). It has been 30 years since the 2 bitter rivals last boxed but sports agent Dante Slate Jr., played by Kevin Hart (Think Like a Man, This is the End), was determined to get the two men into a ring to decide who was the better champion. Okay, I do not have any issue with the concept of this sport film. Heck, I just saw a news report about a 90 year old runner who still does marathons. Recently I read comments that Sylvester felt he still had something to say about boxing and that is why he did this movie. If he felt he had something to contribute who am I to judge? I cannot recall the last time I felt embarrassed from watching a film out at the theater. The generic script was so lame that it was cringe worthy. Maybe I am being judgmental here but for the life of me, I cannot come up with any reason why Robert De Niro would do such a film except for the paycheck. Even as I am typing this I am experiencing deja vu of feeling icky when I was at the theater. The only bright spots for me were seeing Kim Basinger (L.A. Confidential, Cellular) playing ex-girlfriend Sally and Alan Arkin (Get Smart, Edward Scissorhands) playing former trainer Louis ‘Lightning’ Conlon. As for Kevin Hart, this is the 3rd or 4th film I have seen with him and it seems as if he is just repeating the same character in each one. I am afraid I have seen better winners in my fitness classes. There were several brief scenes where blood was shown.
1 2/3 stars
Posted on January 3, 2014, in Comedy and tagged 1 2/3 stars, alan arkin, boxing, comedy, kevin hart, kim basinger, robert de niro, sylvester stallone. Bookmark the permalink. 16 Comments.
Thanks! I may pass on this one. Happy 2014!
A happy and healthy new year to you. You are starting the new year on a good foot by skipping this film. Be well and may 2014 bring you unexpected joy and good health.
sounds like the plot was punch drunk!
Good one Bill. lol
I have skipped most boxing films. Raging Bull was a keeper, Million dollar baby had a very interesting twist, but Stallone’s Rocky series was garbage. (the first one was OK, but an Oscar…) Skip it is then! Thank you!
Glad I could save you some money.
This was a ‘flusher’ on my winter movies preview post. It looked terrible from the very first trailer. I loved the latest TV Spot – “Everyone is raving about Grudge Match” yet it sits at a strong 24% on Rotten Tomatoes.
We can only hope Sylvester gets a wake up call.
Argh. I’m not suprised by your review. Generally, I don’t care for boxing movies anyway, though I thought Raging Bull was a decent movie. If I’m sucked into watching this out of curiosity @ $1.50 rental, I will never admit it! 🙂
Don’t worry your secret will be safe with me if you decide to rent it. lol
this movie not distributed in my country … hiks…
A smart move in my opinion. Thanks for coming by to share your comment.
I have no idea why this movie was even made!
I hear you; I just do not understand why Sylvester stays stuck in a small box of creativity.
Thanks for letting me camp out in your blog for a little while today. I had a great time and tried to leave my campsite as good as when I arrived. I’ll be back!
Thank you for coming by to visit and leave your comments. I am glad you enjoyed being here as I did with your site. Keep up the good work.