"Grudge Match" is out on Blu-ray and DVD today, and it's quite the surprise. Despite treading some really familiar paths, "Grudge Match" proves that Sylvester Stallone and Robert De Niro can still pack a punch with hilarious results.
The story follows aging boxing legends Henry "Razor" Sharp and Billy "The Kid" McDonnen. These once fierce competitors whose rivalry reached beyond the ring now live out their respective lives. That is until Dante Slate Jr., the son of a famous boxing promoter, comes with an offer too good to refuse; a chance to step back in the ring and settle their age dispute once and for all.
"Grudge Match" shouldn't work. In fact, it should be a huge old stinker, but beyond all odds the movie works and, for the most part, is quite entertaining. The story itself is pretty formulaic: old rivals craving redemption, obligatory training, old man jokes and main characters who absolutely hate each other but don't actually hate each other. "Grudge Match" hits just about every trope it can, but it works. Stallone and De Niro are both fantastic, and while De Niro has much better comedic timing than his co-star, they both have their moments. Who wouldn't find the Italian Stallion and the Raging Bull going toe-to-toe, or should I say fingers-to-prostate, hilarious?
The other saving factor to this film is the supporting cast. Jon Bernthal is fantastic as Kid's estranged son, as is Alan Arkin, playing Razor's older-than-dirt trainer.
What doesn't work with this film is the relationship between Razor and his past love, played by the ever-monotone Kim Basinger.In the midst of of Razor and Kid's initial grudge match, Razor's girlfriend thought Razor was with another woman, but he wasn't, so to give Razor a low blow she went and slept with the one person Razor hated most in the world, Kid. Of course, this led to Razor's girlfriend having Kid's child. Yeah, your head isn't the only one that hurts. The film itself is strongest when it focuses on the rivalry between Kid and Razor. Watching the two train for the fight of their lives, and all of the hijinks that accompany the journey, is a real treat.
"Grudge Match" is a fun movie that will tickle your funny bone a few times. It may not be as good as "Rocky" or "Raging Bull," but it still deserves a spot in your movie collection.
The special features include "In the Ring with Kevin Hart," "Blow by Blow with Larry Holmes," an alternate opening and two alternate endings.
Film: 3.5 Yaps Extras: 3 Yaps