Plot: In a corporate-controlled future, an ultra-violent sport known as Rollerball represents the world, and one of its powerful athletes is out to defy those who want him out of the game.
Director: Norman Jewison
Starring: James Caan, John Houseman, Maud Adams
Released: September 1975
You might be forgiven for seeing aspects of Rollerball thinking it’s going to look and feel a little dated compared to today’s science fiction film, after all, this is something that all sci-fi movies face eventually, however, if you stick at you will find that this film has not only done better than most of its period, but you’ll be rewarded with an exciting and worrying look at the future.
The first thing that you notice about Rollerball is how impressive the film remains, the track that the sport of rollerball looks and feels as authentic and high octane now as it would have done when the film came out, helped massively due to the film contains no CGI or other special effects that would be dated today.
The performances of both the actors and stunt-men is something that should also be commended, especially considering there were no special effects and all the action appeared on screen was practical, it really made the sport come alive and as if you are watching a real sport, not something that’s been created for the film like the one in Alita: Battle Angel.
I remember watching this film as a child and finding the action scenes exciting but the rest of the film too slow-paced and a little boring, however, upon re-watching I now see how much Jonathan’s (Caan) search for meaning and desire to escape the path that has been set for him brings to the film and gives the final sequence a lot more gravity.
If you happen to be a fan of either 70’s cinema, retro design or science fiction, Rollerball should be right up your street. The games of Rollerball are a delight to watch and set in a world that’s living out its own Orwellian nightmare.
If you liked: Logans Run, Escape From New York. The Running Man, Soylent Green
I hadn’t heard of this movie. Possibly that’s because it was released before I was born. But I love old movies, so I’ll check it out!
My dad would likely love this! Sending your review his way. Thanks a ton for sharing 🙂
I am glad to find a fellow movie-lover. Keep posting more on such retro movies.
I really want to see this film now. I feel like Rollerball would make a good movie night along with Logan’s Run and Soylent Green.
I love old movies. and I wouldnt mind watching this one. It looks like a great film!
Oh my gosh I remember this movie! I may have to watch this with my husband tonight!
I’ve definitely heard of this movie before but I have never seen it. I am not really into old flicks so I am not sure I will ever see it, but if my husband decides to randomly turn it on then I probably will!
i don’t believe i have ever seen or heard of this movie. But i do love James Caan from Godfather and Lewis & Clark. Might just have to add this to my queue. thanks.
OMG! This is so funny. My husband LOVES this movie and brings it up all the time. We were just talking about it this past weekend because he saw James Caan on another TV show. I will have to show him this post! Thanks!
I watched this as a kid few times. It’s one of my favorites actually! I hope to watch it again.
This is funny movie. I can watch it any number of times.
i haven’t heard of this one. seems i’m missing out. i will have to check it out soon.
Now that’s a old school Adventure film
I remember watching the 2002 remake but not the original. It is time ti give the original the spot it deserves, thank you very much for sharing this.
Ooo now this is a new one to me. Always wanting to add to the watch list so will put this on x
I suddenly think of Thanos when seeing the poster on the top haha. Perhaps I should take a try of this film. Hope it truly cool like Avenger
It was perfect the first time. I learn so much from you as well! Keep it up great post.