Way better than expected

Rating: 8/10 (4 September 2014)

The way that Stallone has been pulling Rambo out of the grave in a series of CGI-enhanced "Expendables" I really expected "Grudge Match" to add another layer of plastic surgery to the Stallone corpse. But instead, I got an over-the-hill "buddies" movie with a decent plot, some terrific acting and an ending that brings back some of my favourite memories from "Raging Bull" and most of the "Rocky" series. Being 'of the age' and still competing in a physical sport against other fellas past their best-before date, I get the movie combatants' desire for one more time, one more season, swapping sweat with the same guys I did a lifetime ago. So I'm glad they made it, and I'm glad I watched it. Well done. Now where did I put my jockstrap and truss...