Introduction"Grudge Match" is a 2013 sports comedy-drama movie directed by Peter Segal. The movie stars Robert De Niro and Sylvester Stallone as aging boxers stepping into the ring for one last bout. The movie also features Kevin Hart, Alan Arkin, Kim Basinger, and Jon Bernthal in supporting roles.
Plot Summary"Grudge Match" revolves around the story of 2 aging boxing rivals, Henry 'Razor' Sharp (Sylvester Stallone) and Billy 'The Kid' McDonnen (Robert De Niro). Their competition became popular during the 1980s when they both were the ruling champions in Pittsburgh. They faced off two times in the ring, resulting in a win for each, however a tie-breaking match never ever materialized due to Razor's unexpected retirement.
Main StorylineThirty years later on, promoter Dante Slate Jr. (Kevin Hart) manages to draw Razor out of retirement for a high-profit rematch, "Grudgement Day", much to the amusement and anticipation of their city. The 2 fighters concur, driven by various inspirations: for Razor, it's the financial assistance to support his former trainer Lightning Conlon (Alan Arkin), and for Billy, it's the chance to show he's the better fighter.
On the other hand, the reactivation of their rivalry also resumes old injuries. Billy discovers he fathered a child, B.J. (Jon Bernthal) in a fling with Razor's previous fan, Sally (Kim Basinger). Now a grown man, B.J. looks for a connection with his recently found father. Concurrently, Razor attempts to reconcile with Sally.
FinaleThe humor of the film mostly comes from the clash of aging bodies versus the youthful spirit of competitors and the sarcastic commentary by their old-school trainer, Arkin. The ending of the film pits Sharp and McDonnen versus each other in the much-awaited grudge match. In a battle full of tense minutes, Razor finally emerges victorious. More significantly, though, by the end of the fight, both Razor and Billy fix up and release their past animosities.
Concluding Thoughts"Grudge Match" is an amusing mash-up of boxing and comedy with some lessons about redemption and releasing. The excellent cast, particularly the efficiencies of Stallone, De Niro and Hart, create a wonderful dynamic that carries the movie. By bringing Stallone and De Niro, two icons connected respectively to "Rocky" and "Raging Bull", 2 of cinema's most well-known boxing movies, the film includes another layer of fond memories.
Despite its predictable plot, "Grudge Match" handles to deliver an entertaining phenomenon filled with humor and heart. Therein lies its beauty - the film doesn't take itself too seriously and still handles to land a punch where it counts. Critics argue that its appeal mostly depends on the classic return to screen of Stallone and De Niro in functions that helped define their professions.
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