Grudge Match

If you are after a comedy that actually makes you laugh out loud, Grudge Match is available in the US on Paramount Plus Essential and YouTube TV right now. It knows exactly what kind of film it is from the opening scene, and never loses that thread. 1,376 people have weighed in on TMDB, and the verdict leans heavily positive. Robert De Niro's performance alone is worth the time investment. There is no real reason to keep putting it off — it is right there on Paramount Plus Essential.

Whatever else is competing for your attention this week, Grudge Match is worth clearing space for. Sharp writing and a well-matched ensemble are what separate Grudge Match from the crowd. A pair of aging boxing rivals are coaxed out of retirement to fight one final bout -- 30 years after their last match. Robert De Niro and Sylvester Stallone lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was released in 2013. What keeps Grudge Match from feeling disposable is a cast that clearly understands the material better than the format usually demands. It delivers reliably on what it promises, which is more than most of its competition manages.

Comedy fans looking for a reliably funny watch will find it in Grudge Match. It does not lean on comparisons to make its case. A contained runtime means every scene is doing real work. Robert De Niro sets the tone, but the supporting cast is where a lot of the best moments come from. A reliable pick for any night you want quality comedy without the homework.