The new film Grudge Match attempts something of a humorous spin on Rocky and Raging Bull, pitting two actors known for their famed boxing roles as grizzled, older versions of themselves out to settle a personal score. Truthfully, however, it’s inspired as much by the movie Grumpy Old Men as it is those earlier classics. As a comedy, it manages to get a few jabs in, but ultimately not enough to win a decision.
Henry ‘Razor’ Sharp (Sylvester Stallone) and Billy ‘The Kid’ McDonnen (Robert De Niro) have been enemies since their heyday more than 20 years ago. Having each lost once to the other, Sharp walked away from the rubber match after his girlfriend Sally (Kim Basinger) left him for his opponent. When the two aged ex-fighters are approached to lend their talents to a video game by aspiring promoter Dante (Kevin Hart), it’s an opportunity they can’t pass up . However, when the two get into scrap at the session, their fight becomes a viral sensation. A rematch is quickly scheduled. Sharp takes in his now geriatric trainer Louis (Alan Arkin). McDonnen is coached by B.J. (Jon Bernthal), his son with the estranged Sally. When Sally returns to discourage B.J. and reconnect with Sharp, it leads to further complications.
Most of the jokes that work are due to the able cast, particularly when Sharp and McDonnen are butting heads. It is indeed fun to watch the two famed actors trade verbal blows. And early on, the Dante character also lands a couple of funny shots at Sharp’s extremely frugal lifestyle. However, after some time, the repetitiveness of the insults begin to grow tired. Watching Louis follow Sharp using a mobility scooter is initially funny. Yet there are too many rehashes of this “old man” joke. By the climax, when the trainer putters towards the ring in it, the gag itself feels decrepit.
The sentimentalism on display is overly forced at points as well. The characters veer from some rude and crude comments to more earnest declarations of wanting to start anew. These moments should have been handled with more subtlety. And there seem to be some editing problems. It’s overlong at nearly two hours and could do with tightening.
The most unfortunate victim of the pacing is the final bout itself. Director Peter Segal (Tommy Boy, 50 First Dates, Get Smart) doesn’t do anything to give the showdown any sort of zip. This sequence isn’t shot or edited in a dynamic way, it’s barely scored and ultimately feels lackluster considering the build up. Were it not for the efforts of the actors, it wouldn’t be engaging at all.
This being said, there are definitely a few chuckles here and there to be had from Grudge Match. The problem is that everything plays out in a rote, bland manner. As a boxing flick, it’s a bit of a palooka that would be enjoyed more on home video than a night out at the cinema.