leave your preconceptions out of it

Rating: 7/10 (27 February 2014)

the vast majority of bad reviews for this film are likely the result of reviewers inability to view this film objectively. the fact is that this film has very little to do with either 'Rocky' or 'Raging Bull'. it pays homage to those films, nothing more.
lots of people think Stallone can't act, and De niro can't do funny. neither is 100% true and this movie is proof. is it great? no. but everybody involved did good work and it shows. the only way you couldn't feel happy and satisfied after watching this film is if you are die hard for the classics, in which case i say, 'lighten up'.
people find 'Grudge Match' to be an insult to the classics. it isn't. actually attempting to make a Balboa vs. LaMotta film would have been, though.