Grudge Match is a new Warner Bros movie coming to cinemas in December, on Boxing Day (pun may be intended). After long talks between the producers and Sylvester Stallone and Robert De Niro the match was on its way. It has already been proclaimed a match between Rocky Balboa and Jake LaMotta by the hardcore fans of both actors.
They are at a certain age when getting in shape isn’t as easy as it used to be. Although Sly and De Niro had perfect six packs and biceps some time ago, it had been quite an obstacle on their journey to the new – old roles.
What may be deterring the fans from seeing this film is the fact it’s a comedy. They expect the actors to be in accordance with their age, and make a serious film, thriller or a drama. They have both made a lot of comedies with more or less success but it is not what made them famous. With cast like that, it certainly means that this movie will be a big hit or a complete disaster. It is highly unlikely it will be somewhere in the middle.
Screenplay is written by “Entourage” writer Doug Elin, and directed by Peter Segal. The rest of the crew are Oscar award-winning cinematographer Dean Semler (“Dances With Wolves,” “Apocalypto”); production designer Wynn Thomas (“Cinderella Man”); costume designer Mary Vogt (“Men in Black 3”). Robert Sale will be consulted when the scenes of boxing take place and he already worked with Stallone on “Rocky Balboa”. Trevor Rabin made the music.
The plot revolves around two retired boxers Billy “The Kid” McDonnen and Henry “Razor” Sharp. Their last match was postponed because Razor retired one day before the fight. That happened thirty years ago and today a boxing promoter Daniel (Kevin Hart) feels that it’s time to settle the score. However, he got more than he bargained for as the match goes viral on YouTube and Facebook. Jon Bethrenal, who acts de Niro’s estranged son, agrees to prepare him for the match. And of course there is a woman torn between two sides, and who can be better for that role than Kim Basinger.
Names you will find on the credits are the biggest in the industry. Sylvester Stalone and Robert de Niro lead away with their previous boxing movies being vastly successful. Stalone with his never-ending line of Rocky hits, and de Niro with his classic “Raging Bull”. They both got their careers going acting boxers and now it may be time to end it up just like they started it.
