From Deseret News archives:
Rollerball
Film review
Granted, the film upon which "Rollerball" is based the 1974 science-fiction thriller starring James Caan isn't cinematic art to begin with. But this re-do is so dumb and so exploitative in its violence that, ironically, it becomes everything that the rather clumsy original was railing against. (In fact, the film's violence is so brutal that this version probably should have retained its R rating, which it originally received from the MPAA before the studio imposed re-shoots and re-cuts to get a PG-13.)
Replacing Caan in this version is stonefaced Chris Klein, who stars as Jonathan Cross, a pro hockey prospect with a taste for "extreme" as in, illegal sports. And that lands him in trouble with the law.
Subsequently, he quickly finds himself in Europe, where he becomes the star of Rollerball, a renegade, televised sport that combines all the worst aspects of the WWF, roller derby and indoor motocross. It's also extremely dangerous and is about to get worse. League owner Petrovich (Jean Reno) is hungry for ratings, so he quickly ups the violence level, with deadly results for the players.
As humiliating as the film is for all involved, it's even worse for John McTiernan, the once-proud director of such blockbusters as "Die Hard" and "The Hunt for Red October." Frankly, this is hackwork that shows little signs of talent in particular, the action is so chaotic that it's difficult to tell what's going on. (And there's also a protracted chase scene shot with a green filter for no good reason.)
Not that the cast is any help. Klein isn't even remotely believable as the tough guy his character becomes, and it's surprising that Reno didn't gain any weight from all of his scenery chewing.
"Rollerball" is rated PG-13 for fairly graphic violence (bludgeonings, gunfire and explosive mayhem), occasional use of strong profanity (including the so-called, "R-rated" curseword), crude sexual banter, gore, glimpses of partial female nudity and nude paintings, and a brief scene sex. Running time: 98 minutes.
E-MAIL: jeff@desnews.com
Comments
Cast: Chris Klein, LL Cool J, Jean Reno, Rebecca Romijn-Stamos
Find a Movie Theater
- Utah court rules against coal plant 1:51 p.m.
- TALF ratings opened to more agencies 1:41 p.m.
- Expert paid $500K for Mitchell report 1:38 p.m.
- NATO troops to bolster war 1:38 p.m.
- Health care blocked at Iraq camp? 1:24 p.m.
- Campaign mngr accused of theft 1:22 p.m.
- Obama: Plan to 'jump-start' hiring 1:06 p.m.
- Oil prices fall 1:05 p.m.
- Death penalty possible in slayings 12:59 p.m.
- CSU bans guns on campus 12:51 p.m.
- Mr. Football 2009: Tuni Kanuch
- Harpring's NBA career is over
- Miller predicted Tiger's rough road
- 5A high school football All-State
- MVPs wrap up stellar prep careers
- Utah Jazz going green with unis
- Jazz: Miles, Kirilenko to play Friday
- 4A high school football: All-State
- Nutty Putty Cave to be sealed today
- Hate not limited to 1 in-state rivalry
- Hall reprimanded by MWC
407 - Max Hall issues apology
393 - Hall's pain reflects self-betrayal
362 - Why is Y. ignoring spew of hatred?
289 - Utes won't respond to Hall
278 - BYU says Hall incident resolved
247 - Letters: Liberal because LDS
228 - 2 citations issued at Y.-U. game
188 - Hate not limited to 1 in-state rivalry
177 - Aggies shoot past Cougars
177
I live for John Charity Spring's comments. You never know which story is...
Women are attracted to wealthy and successful men. This has been the case...
Totally awesome that an O-lineman is picked for the Mr. Football award. Games...
I'm LDS, and I have several Muslim friends. They are all very nice people. I...
I agree that Todd Christensen should be banned from broadcasting. His ego...
This shows that IF the people ACTUALLY reduced their consumption...
What Surprise? The unemployment rate has skyrocketed all year and...
Brazil and Germany are the toughest
Each has their All-state team selections and coaches votes. They may have a...
LEAVE THE SNAKE ALONE! I agree the snake looks like he has lived a good snake...




You can be the first to comment on this story.