Entertaining Attempt To Make Fun Out Of Iconic Roles

Rating: 8/10 (9 May 2014)

Grudge Match features Robert De Niro and Sylvester Stallone in an attempt to make fun of their iconic boxing roles of the successful boxing films that they have made in their respective careers.This sports comedy would like the viewer to remind De Niro's Oscar winning role,Jake LaMotta in Raging Bull and Stallone's Academy Award nominated and iconic role,Rocky Balboa in the Rocky franchise movies. Kevin Hart,Alan Arkin and Kim Basinger co-stars and Peter Segal directed it.
Pittsburgh pugilists Henry "Razor" Sharp and Billy "The Kid" McDonnen become boxing rivals after two fights.In their first fight,Kid beats Razor.But in their rematch,it was Razor's turn to beat Kid. Unfortunately,the third fight did not happen when Razor announces his retirement putting a sudden end to their rivalry.Years later, Razor is working in a shipyard when he's visited by promoter Dante Slate Jr., who wants to capture him on a performance for a video game. Razor accepts the money to pay his bills,help for the expenses of his ailing former- trainer and renovate his home. At the recording studio, he is surprised by Kid, who was also invited by Slate. But on their first meeting after three decades,their hatred for each other erupts into an unintentionally hilarious melee that instantly goes viral. This transforms renews their rivalry and becomes a must-see boxing match and an HBO event. Their training,the friction between them,their involvement in a love triangle,and the reunion of Sharp and Sally Rose becomes central to the story.
Unlike Rocky and Raging Bull,this comedic film is definitely far from an Oscar winner.It was definitely made for a few laughs.Also,we get to see a mediocre and cliché ridden story with a few corny scenes and lifeless drama.Performances were okay.But I have to mention that Stallone manages to be effective with the underdog role as Sharp the same way he did as Rocky.Despite getting nominated for a Razzie,I felt that viewers will definitely cheer for him in the concluding boxing match.Added to that,it also provides older generation with the nostalgic moments when references from lead stars' iconic roles were made in the film.Sharp's training provided references for Rocky like drinking a glass of egg yolks,jogging in the streets and almost punches meat in an abattoir.The Kid's stand comedy lounge act,sarcastic attitude and being a smart ass provides a nod to LaMotta.In summary,it is definitely fun and entertaining if one isn't oblivious to the fact that both lead stars never made this film to honor their previous iconic roles that many fans of the world revere but to have fun with them.