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Rollerball (2002 film)
Encyclopedia
Rollerball is a 2002 remake of the 1975 science-fiction film of the same name
. This updated version stars Chris Klein
, LL Cool J
, Rebecca Romijn
and Jean Reno
, was directed by John McTiernan
and has a much greater concentration on action with more muted social and political overtones. Unlike the first film, it takes place in the present rather than a seemingly dystopian future.
, Russia
, China
, Mongolia
, and Turkey
.
Marcus Ridley (LL Cool J
) invites NHL hopeful Jonathan Cross (Chris Klein
) to join him playing for the Zhambel Horsemen in Kazakhstan
. The highly paid Marcus and Jonathan are teamed with low-paid locals, who are often severely injured in the game, which is an extraordinarily violent extension of roller derby involving motorcycles, a metal ball, and many trappings of the World Wrestling Entertainment.
Soon the team's star and the darling of promoter Alexi Petrovich (Jean Reno
), Jonathan, is thrilled by the high-octane sport, the hype, the sports cars, and female team mate Aurora (Rebecca Romijn
). But gradually Jonathan discovers that the cynical Alexi and his opportunistic rat Sanjay (Naveen Andrews
) will go to any lengths to manipulate the game in order to provide an ever more gory spectacle and improve the game's popularity.
The film features cameo appearances by Slipknot
, Carroll Shelby
, Shane McMahon
, and Pink
. The former's appearance was digitally added after filming their performance in front of green screen.
reviewer Roger Ebert
called it "an incoherent mess, a jumble of footage in search of plot, meaning, rhythm and sense".
The film's lead, Chris Klein, was also a subject of criticism, being referred to as a bland hero.
Rotten Tomatoes
ranked the film 28th in the 100 worst reviewed films of the 2000s, with a rating of 3%.
The film was a box-office flop, earning a worldwide total of $26 million compared to a production budget of $70 million. Romijn was nominated for a Razzie Award as Worst Supporting Actress.
The creator of Rollerball, science fiction author William Harrison
had the following to say about the film: "I've never watched the 2002 incarnation of Rollerball, and have no interest in it."
Rollerball (1975 film)
Rollerball is a 1975 American dystopian fiction film directed by Norman Jewison from a screenplay by William Harrison, who adapted his own short story "Roller Ball Murder", which first appeared in 1973 in Esquire magazine.-The Game:...
. This updated version stars Chris Klein
Chris Klein (actor)
Frederick Christopher "Chris" Klein is an American movie actor. He is perhaps best known for playing Chris "Oz" Ostreicher in the 1999 film American Pie and its sequel American Pie 2.-Early life:...
, LL Cool J
LL Cool J
James Todd Smith , better known as LL Cool J , is an American rapper, entrepreneur, and actor...
, Rebecca Romijn
Rebecca Romijn
Rebecca Alie Romijn is an American actress and former fashion model. She is best known for her role as Mystique in the X-Men films, and for her recurring role as Alexis Meade on the television series Ugly Betty.-Early life:...
and Jean Reno
Jean Reno
Jean Reno is a French actor. Working in French, English, Spanish and Italian, he has appeared not only in numerous successful Hollywood productions such as The Pink Panther, Godzilla, The Da Vinci Code, Mission: Impossible, Ronin and Couples Retreat, but also in European productions such as the...
, was directed by John McTiernan
John McTiernan
John Campbell McTiernan, Jr. is an American film director and producer, best known for his action films and most identifiable with the three films he directed back-to-back: Predator, Die Hard, and The Hunt for Red October, along with later movies such as Last Action Hero, Die Hard with a...
and has a much greater concentration on action with more muted social and political overtones. Unlike the first film, it takes place in the present rather than a seemingly dystopian future.
Plot
It is the year 2005. The new sport of Rollerball is hugely popular in Central AsiaCentral Asia
Central Asia is a core region of the Asian continent from the Caspian Sea in the west, China in the east, Afghanistan in the south, and Russia in the north...
, Russia
Russia
Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects...
, China
People's Republic of China
China , officially the People's Republic of China , is the most populous country in the world, with over 1.3 billion citizens. Located in East Asia, the country covers approximately 9.6 million square kilometres...
, Mongolia
Mongolia
Mongolia is a landlocked country in East and Central Asia. It is bordered by Russia to the north and China to the south, east and west. Although Mongolia does not share a border with Kazakhstan, its western-most point is only from Kazakhstan's eastern tip. Ulan Bator, the capital and largest...
, and Turkey
Turkey
Turkey , known officially as the Republic of Turkey , is a Eurasian country located in Western Asia and in East Thrace in Southeastern Europe...
.
Marcus Ridley (LL Cool J
LL Cool J
James Todd Smith , better known as LL Cool J , is an American rapper, entrepreneur, and actor...
) invites NHL hopeful Jonathan Cross (Chris Klein
Chris Klein (actor)
Frederick Christopher "Chris" Klein is an American movie actor. He is perhaps best known for playing Chris "Oz" Ostreicher in the 1999 film American Pie and its sequel American Pie 2.-Early life:...
) to join him playing for the Zhambel Horsemen in Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan , officially the Republic of Kazakhstan, is a transcontinental country in Central Asia and Eastern Europe. Ranked as the ninth largest country in the world, it is also the world's largest landlocked country; its territory of is greater than Western Europe...
. The highly paid Marcus and Jonathan are teamed with low-paid locals, who are often severely injured in the game, which is an extraordinarily violent extension of roller derby involving motorcycles, a metal ball, and many trappings of the World Wrestling Entertainment.
Soon the team's star and the darling of promoter Alexi Petrovich (Jean Reno
Jean Reno
Jean Reno is a French actor. Working in French, English, Spanish and Italian, he has appeared not only in numerous successful Hollywood productions such as The Pink Panther, Godzilla, The Da Vinci Code, Mission: Impossible, Ronin and Couples Retreat, but also in European productions such as the...
), Jonathan, is thrilled by the high-octane sport, the hype, the sports cars, and female team mate Aurora (Rebecca Romijn
Rebecca Romijn
Rebecca Alie Romijn is an American actress and former fashion model. She is best known for her role as Mystique in the X-Men films, and for her recurring role as Alexis Meade on the television series Ugly Betty.-Early life:...
). But gradually Jonathan discovers that the cynical Alexi and his opportunistic rat Sanjay (Naveen Andrews
Naveen Andrews
Naveen William Sidney Andrews is a British American actor. He is best known for portraying Kip in the movie The English Patient and Sayid Jarrah on the American television series Lost.-Early life:...
) will go to any lengths to manipulate the game in order to provide an ever more gory spectacle and improve the game's popularity.
Cast
- Chris KleinChris Klein (actor)Frederick Christopher "Chris" Klein is an American movie actor. He is perhaps best known for playing Chris "Oz" Ostreicher in the 1999 film American Pie and its sequel American Pie 2.-Early life:...
as Jonathan Cross - Jean RenoJean RenoJean Reno is a French actor. Working in French, English, Spanish and Italian, he has appeared not only in numerous successful Hollywood productions such as The Pink Panther, Godzilla, The Da Vinci Code, Mission: Impossible, Ronin and Couples Retreat, but also in European productions such as the...
as Alexi Petrovich - LL Cool JLL Cool JJames Todd Smith , better known as LL Cool J , is an American rapper, entrepreneur, and actor...
as Marcus Ridley - Rebecca RomijnRebecca RomijnRebecca Alie Romijn is an American actress and former fashion model. She is best known for her role as Mystique in the X-Men films, and for her recurring role as Alexis Meade on the television series Ugly Betty.-Early life:...
as Aurora "the Black Widow" - Naveen AndrewsNaveen AndrewsNaveen William Sidney Andrews is a British American actor. He is best known for portraying Kip in the movie The English Patient and Sayid Jarrah on the American television series Lost.-Early life:...
as Sanjay - Kata DobóKata DoboKata Dobó or Kata Dobo is a Hungarian actress.She was born in Győr, Hungary and emigrated to Los Angeles in the summer of 1999...
as Katya Dobolakova - Lucia RijkerLucia RijkerLucia Rijker is a Dutch professional female boxer, kickboxer, and actress.Rijker has been dubbed by the press and opponents "The Most Dangerous Woman in the World". She can speak four languages and is a Buddhist, dedicating time daily to meditation and chanting...
as Lucia Ryjker - Oleg TaktarovOleg TaktarovOleg Nikolaevich Taktarov is a retired Russian mixed martial artist and actor. He is a practitioner of Sambo and Judo and has competed in the Ultimate Fighting Championship and Pride Fighting Championships. Taktarov was the UFC 6 tournament champion and holds notable wins over Marco Ruas and David...
as Oleg Denekin - Paul HeymanPaul HeymanPaul Heyman is an American entertainment producer, best known for his career in professional wrestling as a promoter, manager, commentator and journalist. He is also an occasional actor in film....
as Sports Announcer - Mike DopudMike DopudMike Dopud is a Canadian-born film actor, television actor, voice actor, stuntman, stage actor and athlete. He is best known for playing Detective Smits in White Noise the 2005 action-horror film, Agent Turner in Alone In The Dark a 2005 action-horror film, playing Vic Hadfield in the Canadian...
as "Michael The Assassin"
The film features cameo appearances by Slipknot
Slipknot (band)
Slipknot is an American heavy metal band from Des Moines, Iowa. Formed in 1995, the group was founded by percussionist Shawn Crahan and bassist Paul Gray...
, Carroll Shelby
Carroll Shelby
Carroll Hall Shelby is an American retired automotive designer and racing driver. He is most well known for making Mustangs for Ford Motor Company known as Mustang Cobras which he has done since 1965...
, Shane McMahon
Shane McMahon
Shane Brandon McMahon is an American executive, currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of YOU On Demand. A former executive and professional wrestler for World Wrestling Entertainment , he is the son of WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon and former US Senate candidate Linda...
, and Pink
Pink (singer)
Alecia Beth Moore , better known by her stage name Pink , is an American singer-songwriter, musician and actress....
. The former's appearance was digitally added after filming their performance in front of green screen.
Soundtrack
The score was released, but the soundtrack was not.- "BoomBoom (P.O.D. song)"Boom" is the third single off P.O.D.'s second major label studio album Satellite. While it did not chart as well as the album's previous singles, the song has appeared significantly in film and television...
" – P.O.D.P.O.D.Payable on Death is an American Christian metal band formed in 1992. The band's line-up consists of vocalist Sonny Sandoval, drummer Wuv Bernardo, guitarist Marcos Curiel, and bassist Traa Daniels. Their Christian faith is an important part of their music.They have released seven studio albums and... - "Told You So" – Drowning PoolDrowning PoolDrowning Pool is a four-piece alternative metal band from Dallas, Texas.-Early days :Drowning Pool rose to fame while playing along with Ozzy Osbourne during an Ozzfest tour. Their 2001 debut album, Sinner was certified platinum within six weeks...
- "Ride" – Beautiful CreaturesBeautiful Creatures (band)Beautiful Creatures are a hard rock band formed in 1999 by guitarist DJ Ashba, formerly of BulletBoys, and singer Joe Lesté of Bang Tango. The group's current lineup is composed of Lesté , Delta Starr , Anthony Focx , Lance Eric and Justin Sandler...
- "Millionaire" – Rappagariya
- "I Am Hated" – SlipknotSlipknot (band)Slipknot is an American heavy metal band from Des Moines, Iowa. Formed in 1995, the group was founded by percussionist Shawn Crahan and bassist Paul Gray...
- "Body Go" – HardknoxHardknoxHardknox is a big beat duo from the United Kingdom, consisting of Steve Proctor and Lindy Layton. They have released two singles and a self-titled album. Their style of electronica features hard beats with powerful vocal samples and unusual loops....
- "Feel So NumbFeel So Numb"Feel So Numb" is a promotional single off Rob Zombie's second album The Sinister Urge. The song can also be found on Rob Zombie's Past, Present & Future and the greatest hits album The Best of Rob Zombie....
" – Rob ZombieRob ZombieRob Zombie is an American musician, film director, screenwriter and film producer. He founded the heavy metal band White Zombie and has been nominated three times as a solo artist for the Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance.Zombie has also established a career as a film director, creating the... - "Keep AwayKeep Away (song)"Keep Away" is the second single by heavy metal band Godsmack. It was released on the band's first studio album Godsmack. It is also among one of the band's most popular songs to fans...
" – GodsmackGodsmackGodsmack is an American heavy metal band from Lawrence, Massachusetts, formed in 1995. The band is composed of founder, frontman and songwriter Sully Erna, guitarist Tony Rombola, bassist Robbie Merrill, and drummer Shannon Larkin... - "Insane in the BrainInsane in the Brain"Insane in the Brain" is a hit single by the American hip hop group Cypress Hill. It was released in 1993 and in addition to hitting number 1 on the US rap chart, the song also was a surprise crossover hit, reaching number 19 in the Hot 100 chart in 1994. It was highly successful in other countries...
" - Sen DogSen DogSen Dog is a Cuban-American rapper, and member of rap group Cypress Hill. He is the older brother of fellow rapper Mellow Man Ace.Sen Dog has been developing his own solo career in addition to his work with Cypress Hill... - "FlashpointDemanufactureDemanufacture is the second studio album by the Los Angeles industrial metal band Fear Factory. This is the band's first album with their classic line-up adding new bassist Christian Olde Wolbers. Many regard it as the band's best album and a heavy metal classic...
" - Fear FactoryFear FactoryFear Factory is an American industrial metal band. Formed in 1989, they have released seven full-length albums and a number of singles and remixes. Over the course of their career they have evolved from a succession of styles, as well as steadily pioneered a combination of the styles death metal,... - "When I Come AroundWhen I Come Around"When I Come Around" is a song by American punk rock band Green Day. It was released as the fourth single from their third album, Dookie. "When I Come Around" was Green Day's most popular radio single in their early career, peaking at number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 Airplay. This was their...
" - Green DayGreen DayGreen Day is an American punk rock band formed in 1987. The band consists of lead vocalist and guitarist Billie Joe Armstrong, bassist and backing vocalist Mike Dirnt, and drummer Tre Cool... - "Crawling in the DarkCrawling in the Dark"Crawling in the Dark" is a song by Hoobastank, released as the first single from their major-label debut, Hoobastank.The song was released as a single on April 2, 2002. It reached #3 on the Modern Rock Tracks chart and #7 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart.This song was also featured in a...
" - HoobastankHoobastankHoobastank is an American rock band, best known for their 2004 hit "The Reason" and other hits "Crawling in the Dark" and "Running Away". They formed in 1994 in Agoura Hills, California, with singer Doug Robb, guitarist Dan Estrin, drummer Chris Hesse, and original bassist Markku Lappalainen. They... - "Time To Play" - PillarPillar (band)Pillar is a Christian rock band currently located in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Their sixth studio album, Confessions, was released in 2009.- Formation and independent albums :...
- "Never Gonna Stop (The Red Red Kroovy)Never Gonna Stop (The Red Red Kroovy)"Never Gonna Stop " is a promotional single taken from Rob Zombie's second album The Sinister Urge. The song can also be found on Zombie's Past, Present & Future and The Best of Rob Zombie. It was nominated the Grammy for Best Metal Performance for the 2002 Grammy Awards Ceremony.The song is based...
" - Rob ZombieRob ZombieRob Zombie is an American musician, film director, screenwriter and film producer. He founded the heavy metal band White Zombie and has been nominated three times as a solo artist for the Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance.Zombie has also established a career as a film director, creating the...
Reception
Time Out's Trevor Johnson described it as "a checklist shaped by a 15-year-old mallrat: thrashing metal track, skateboards, motorbikes, cracked heads and Rebecca Romijn with her top off", while Chicago Sun-TimesChicago Sun-Times
The Chicago Sun-Times is an American daily newspaper published in Chicago, Illinois. It is the flagship paper of the Sun-Times Media Group.-History:The Chicago Sun-Times is the oldest continuously published daily newspaper in the city...
reviewer Roger Ebert
Roger Ebert
Roger Joseph Ebert is an American film critic and screenwriter. He is the first film critic to win a Pulitzer Prize for Criticism.Ebert is known for his film review column and for the television programs Sneak Previews, At the Movies with Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert, and Siskel and Ebert and The...
called it "an incoherent mess, a jumble of footage in search of plot, meaning, rhythm and sense".
The film's lead, Chris Klein, was also a subject of criticism, being referred to as a bland hero.
Rotten Tomatoes
Rotten Tomatoes
Rotten Tomatoes is a website devoted to reviews, information, and news of films—widely known as a film review aggregator. Its name derives from the cliché of audiences throwing tomatoes and other vegetables at a poor stage performance...
ranked the film 28th in the 100 worst reviewed films of the 2000s, with a rating of 3%.
The film was a box-office flop, earning a worldwide total of $26 million compared to a production budget of $70 million. Romijn was nominated for a Razzie Award as Worst Supporting Actress.
The creator of Rollerball, science fiction author William Harrison
William Harrison (author)
William Neal Harrison is an American novelist, short story writer, and screenwriter perhaps best known for writing the short story Roller Ball Murder which was made into the movie Rollerball in 1975....
had the following to say about the film: "I've never watched the 2002 incarnation of Rollerball, and have no interest in it."
External links
- Science Fiction Radio Theater - Rollerball Murder Rollerball Murder Audio Drama
- Review of Rollerball (2002) on the Video DeathRay podcast