Review of Rollerball (2002) by ♥Ben♥ G — 07 Aug 2007

Saw Rollerball last year, but as it's showing on TCM onight, here's a review for RT.

I've always loved the original Rollerball movie, ever since hearing it open with Bach's "Toccat in D Minor". Set in 2018, crime and wars are no more. Various Corporations now rule the globe and control everything, including food, leisure, energy and the popular but violent game known as Rollerball. Rollerball's star player is Johnathan E (James Caan) a veteran of the sport for ten years. But to the corporate powers-that-be of this futuristic world, Johnathan's continued success is an anathema to their ethos, and led by the sinister, manipulative Bartholomew (John Housman), they plan his retirement - official or otherwise. It HAS dated since it was made in 1975, but when one thinks of the power of today's corporations, it's warning about corporate power now seems prophetic. Next time you hear jargon like There's No 'I' In 'TEAM' - think of Rollerball (ps: the 2002 remake isn't worth mentioning)..