Today’s quick review: Rollerball. In a future dominated by corporations, the sport of choice is Rollerball, a full-contact blood sport where death and injury are common. Jonathan E. (James Caan), Houston’s captain, is at the peak of his career and set to lead his team to another world championship. But when the executives who own the team try to force him to retire, Jonathan must decide whether to fight for the sport he loves or simply play along.
Rollerball is a sci-fi sports action movie about a star athlete whose career is threatened by outside forces. Rollerball combines the solid action afforded by the titular sport with a slow, philosophical plot, making it a decent but oddly balanced entry into the sci-fi genre. The movie touches on some interesting themes, and its roller derby-esque melee action gives it a unique angle, but it lacks the quality of writing needed to excel.
Rollerball handles both its action and its speculation well, but it runs into problems when it tries to unite the two. The movie takes the time to elaborate on its setting, a future where corporations run society and executives rule by fiat. The sport itself is a satisfying mix of racing and combat, with enough detail to its rule set for the audience to follow along, and the lengthy action sequences give the film some good excitement.
However, the plot itself is mediocre, a mystery with no real clues or answers. Jonathan’s investigation into who wants him out of the game never really gets off the ground. His deliberations over whether to stick with the sport carry some weight, but the story is missing one of the key pieces it needs to drive it forward. The story’s pacing doesn’t help matters; the plot takes some time to get moving, and even then it’s slow to escalate.
Watch Rollerball if you’re a science fiction fan who wants a peek into another alternate future. Rollerball doesn’t have the depth needed to make the most of its premise, but what’s there is enough to provide a bit of action and a bit of speculation. Steer clear if you’re looking for faster-paced action or a more cerebral thriller. For similar sci-fi speculation, try Logan’s Run. For another blood sport with more action, try Death Race or Gamer.
6.6 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for an inventive premise and decent action without the tight story needed to tie it all together.