Knockout "Grudge Match"

Rating: 6/10 (16 February 2014)

Now, before I start, I will admit I'm a little biased. I love Stallone, and I love De Niro. And I love boxing movies (Rocky, Cinderella Man, The Fighter, and of course Raging Bull). But I can totally admit that Sly and Bobby have made some bad films in their careers (Avenging Angelo and Little Fockers leap to mind). But what actor hasn't? Moving on. 30 years ago, "Razor" (Sly) and "Kid" (Bobby) are Light Heavyweights who each won a match against one another, but by the 3rd match (and tie breaker), Razor decides to retire. No explanation is given, and thus, the "Grudge" is born. Both men move on, with lackluster jobs. Kevin Hart comes along as a Junior fight promoter, and hires both fighters to provide motion capture for a video game. As the two fighters meet face to face, a fight ensues and it become viral, with the world wanting a rematch. To train Sly, comes the brilliant and hilarious Alan Arkin. Full of one-liners, Arkin comes off as a sweeter Mickey, but still just as tough. Sorta like... honey sprinkled on vinegar. Fan of Walking Dead? Then behold as Jon Bernthal shows up as Kid's son who never knew who is real father was. And the mom's Kim Basinger, whom I felt was pretty miscast. She's an old flame of both men, and that's where the Grudge kinda started. There's other reasons, but I'll let you see it. Loads of references of Rocky and Raging Bull are peppered around the film, and as a fan I was looking for them. They never became too much, or obvious. Some were actually pretty subtle. Now, this isn't a film that's supposed to be about the cast's acting (since they put Kevin Hart in the flick, that should be obvious). The film on paper sounds like a direct to DVD sorta film. "Rocky VS Raging Bull". Sly and Bobby have fun. And that's the point. This isn't Rocky, or the Fighter, or even Cinderella Man. This IS "Rocky Balboa VS. Jake LaMotta". The fact that both men (especially DeNiro) got into the best shape that they could get at their age is great. And all for a possible direct to DVD release. Made me think they're still being serious, even while having fun.
Overall, I loved the film. Yes, it has it's faults. Yes, the plot comes off as a bit much, for a simple boxing film. Yes, Kim Basinger offers nothing in the film (and I guess Talia Shire was too obvious. Cathy Moriarty would've been a nice touch). And Yes, it took FOREVER for the match to finally start. But damn, was it worth it. I was jabbing and cheering on two of my heroes, not really caring who won. And you know who won? Me. I won a good 'ol time. ***.