'Grudge Match' Sports Comedy Review
Movie Musing Rating: 6/10
I got to see an advanced screening of the ‘Grudge Match’,
starring Sylvester Stallone, Robert De Niro and Kim Basinger. The story
revolves around two Pittsburgh boxers (the two leading men of course) who get a
chance to enter the ring once again after 30 years of retirement. That
retirement was enforced when Razor (Stallone) opted not to fight ‘The Kid’ (De
Niro), depriving ‘Kid’ of his rematch for the title. Thus, a grudge ensued
between them, and was further fuelled by the primary female lead of the film,
Kim Basinger.
I will opt not to reveal details of the movie in the hopes
of having a spoiler-free article. But there’s no point to doing that anyway,
given that this sports comedy follows a predictable plot line. I could easily
pass myself off as clairvoyant and set up shop as a soothsayer if all movies
were like this. But anyway, circumstances force Stallone’s character to accept
conditions for a rematch with De Niro’s ‘Kid’. Stallone works in construction
and has an ailing friend named ‘Lightning’ (Alan Arkin) to take care of, who
also happens to be his former boxing trainer. Hence, financial turmoil is what
forces Razor to take up the offer. ‘Kid’ on the other hand, runs a bar and a
car dealership, so instead of money fueling him, it’s purely the need to
salvage his pride after his loss to Razor 30 years ago.
Since this movie is about settling a 30 year old grudge, a
central theme of the film is reconnecting. The reason for Razor’s sudden exit from
boxing is explored through Kim Basinger and Robert De Niro. Inevitably,
rekindling an ancient relationship also becomes a focal point for one boxer,
but this comes off poorly. The specific boxer’s (not saying who) relationship
with Basinger is quite childish at times. It seems as if the two are stuck in
their teens. This is especially true with Basinger’s character who fidgets
about like a giddy teenager. I could
elaborate on this a bit more but then I’d be laying down spoilers in abundance.
And for your information, the 60 year old Kim Basinger still looks stunning and
beautiful, and I don’t think surgical enhancements are the reason for that.
By all means, the plot isn’t a gem of any kind. But you will
have more than a few laughs while watching the film. Firstly, it sees two
retired boxers trying to get back in the game, so the training programs and
workouts they go through will elicit some humor, especially De Niro’s since he isn’t
in any kind of peak shape. Stallone still has some muscle definition, though
much less in comparison to his last few movies, specifically in The Expendables.
Then there’s the grouchy trainer Lightning, who through Alan Arkin’s delivery portrays
an aging man out of touch with society quite perfectly. Stallone, too, plays an
out of touch character quite effectively, one who is oblivious to the tech
developments since 1980 I suppose. Alan Arkin’s character shows more tech savvy
than his boxing student in this movie. Finally, we mustn’t forget Kevin Hart’s
blabbering antiques. He plays the businessman/agent trying to arrange the
boxing match-up between the two Pittsburgh boxers and if you’ve seen his
stand-up comedy, you know how his lightning speed dialogue and high pitched
tone can crack you up, even if it’s nonsense spewing out of his mouth.
You should watch ‘Grudge Match’ if you are in real need of
some distressing as there will be an assortment of jokes throughout, but some
may fall flat due to their slapstick nature. You won’t have much to go by way
of surprises since the plot follows a generic structure and the romance of the
movie will make you squeal. It’s definitely not the best comedy but has plenty
of moments of laughter.
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