My quick rating - 5.4/10. Well, this movie delivers a clear, heartfelt message: Don’t let independent theaters fade into obscurity. While this undercurrent provides some emotional weight, the film itself is a mixed bag of charm, parody, and missteps. At its core, the movie centers on a proud indie theater owner (Terrence Howard) and his battle against corporate developers determined to demolish his family business. Dolph Lundgren is perfectly cast as a washed-up action star, and his self-aware performance is one of the film's highlights. He plays the role with a wink, embracing the absurdity of the premise and leaning into the parody of the action heroes of yesteryear, including himself. On the other hand, Howard seems to be in a different movie entirely. He approaches his role with a level of intensity that feels out of sync with the film's tone, as if the script were making a serious commentary on the plight of independent cinemas. While this earnestness might resonate with viewers who share his passion for the cause, it feels misplaced amidst the movie’s playful homage to and mockery of classic action flicks. The pacing is another weak spot. The action takes far too long to kick off, leaving much of the first half feeling sluggish. When the climactic showdown finally arrives—occupying the film's last third—it’s more amusing than exhilarating. The action sequences, while fun and full of nods to classic action tropes lack the intensity or stakes needed to make them more memorable. Despite these shortcomings, the film’s charm lies in its lightheartedness. The abundance of silly fight scenes and stolen one-liners from action classics lends it a playful energy. It’s clear Orson Oblowitz has a deep love for the genre he is poking fun at, which makes the humor endearing even when it doesn’t land perfectly. Showdown at the Grand is a modestly entertaining watch, especially for fans of old-school action movies who can appreciate its tongue-in-cheek approach. While it falls short of being a great movie, it succeeds in being an amusing tribute to the glory days of action cinema—and a not-so-gentle reminder of the value of preserving independent theaters.
Comments