Product: Rollerball (2002)
Rating: 1.0
Couldn't I just give this a "zero"?
I've only walked out on or stopped watching less than a handful of movies in my entire life -- "Jade," "Showgirls" and "Poetic Justice." Although I did manage to limp through this cinematic trainwreck in the space of three separate viewings, it is on a par with that trio -- a complete and utter disaster, a piece of filmic shinola that is completely undeserving of your attention. Lead actor Chris Klein is Keanu lite, pure and simple... And it's all downhill from there, baby. I seem to recall liking the 1975 James Caan version of this film, which I saw when I was a kid -- but this "extreme sport" inspired remake turns the premise on its head, trying to dazzle us with reality-show glitz, even while bluntly, crushingly attempting to recreate the anti-establishment subversiveness of the original. I should pause here to mention that even this low level of analysis lends this travesty too much creedence -- the script is pathetic, the acting nominal, the cinematography and direction are both quite shabby, and even the sound design is muddled and cluttered. To make things worse, if possible they write in the "hero" as a young, untouchable super-stud, rather than an aging jock whose skill and experience are only just barely enough to him fit for this dangerous new game. Talk about not getting the point...!! Anyway, rent the original, avoid this one at all costs.