Where was Grudge Match filmed?
2013
City Locations
New Orleans
Location Types
House, Restaurant
Location Styles
Creole, Colonial, Modern Building, Building Dated/Retro, Industrial Style
About Grudge Match
Step into the ring with Grudge Match, a captivating 2013 sports comedy film directed by the accomplished Peter Segal. With a one-two punch of legendary actors, the film stars none other than Sylvester Stallone and Robert De Niro. Bringing their formidable talents and undeniable charisma to the boxing ring, these two icons ensure every scene is as engaging as a real-life boxing match.
Grudge Match delves into the saga of two mature boxers, namely Billy "The Kid" McDonnen (Robert De Niro) and Henry "Razor" Sharp (Sylvester Stallone). Once fierce rivals during their prime, Razor and Kid each hold a victory against the other. An abrupt retirement announcement from Razor deepens their rift, unsettling the score. Decades later, they are summoned again into the ring, this time for a final grudge match orchestrated by promoter Dante Slate Jr. The journey to the much-anticipated fight unveils simmering personal issues from their past, adding depth and character to this comedic sports narrative.
Although it did not gain significant recognition with formal awards, it's worth noting that Sylvester Stallone's performance in Grudge Match was recognized with a nomination for the Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Actor. An unusual honor indeed, sparking discussions and debates among audiences and critics alike. Both actors alsounderwent rigorous training for the film with boxing trainer Bob Sale, with Stallone even dropping to his lowest weight since 1981.
Grudge Match has been met with predominantly unfavorable critiques. It holds a 30% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, derived from 145 reviews, and an average score of 4.5/10. Metacritic gave the film a score of 35 out of 100, based on evaluations from 32 critics, signaling "mostly unfavorable reviews". Still, for fans, Grudge Match is certainly a knock-out!
Grudge Match Locations
Grudge Match is a cinematic journey that takes viewers through various iconic locations. Most of the film was shot in New Orleans, Louisiana, starting in late 2012 and ending in March 2013. This vibrant city, known for its lively music scene and unique blend of cultures, served as a dynamic backdrop for the movie's action-packed sequences. Several establishing shots were also captured in Downtown Pittsburgh and the Edgar Thomson Steel Works in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area, offering glimpses of the city's industrial heritage.
Key landmarks featured in the film include Henry Sharp’s House, at 405 Park Boulevard, Algiers, New Orleans, showcasing the city's distinctive architecture. Street scenes were filmed at 1000 S Peters St, New Orleans, offering a taste of the city's bustling atmosphere. The Knocked Out club at 529 Bienville Street, New Orleans, adds to the film's gritty, urban vibe.
A trip to these locations would be worthwhile for movie fans, as it offers an opportunity to step into the world of Grudge Match and experience firsthand the places where key scenes were filmed. Moreover, both New Orleans and Pittsburgh are vibrant cities with much to offer in terms of culture, history, and entertainment.
City scenes in Grudge Match
Downtown Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
The movie opens with a series of establishing shots that lay the groundwork for the narrative. These scenes, filmed in Downtown Pittsburgh and the Edgar Thomson Steel Works in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area, contribute significantly to the movie's atmosphere.
Seen in all its colorful splendor is Downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, renowned for its thriving commercial center, breathtaking skyscrapers, and variety of restaurants. The footage captures the vibrant city life, from the PPG Paints Arena ice rink to the contemporary chef-driven eateries, classic steakhouses, and Market Square. The scenes feel more realistic given the emphasis on Market Square, a public area full of pubs that hosts a farmers market and other activities.
Featured also in the opening shots is the Edgar Thomson Steel Works, a renowned
Pennsylvanian steel mill that has been operational since 1875 and can be found in North Braddock and Braddock. The images of this industrial structure provide a striking contrast to the vibrant cityscapes, revealing the city's rich industrial past and providing context for the characters' harsh and cutthroat boxing world.
To visit these locations, if you're in Pittsburgh, you can easily explore Downtown on foot or by using the city's public transportation system. The Edgar Thomson Steel Works, located about 12 miles southeast of Downtown Pittsburgh, can be reached by car or by taking a bus from the city center.
Razor’s house scene in Grudge Match
405 Park Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70114, USA
Razor, now working in a shipyard due to financial constraints, is approached by promoter Dante Slate Jr. (Kevin Hart). Dante proposes that Razor provide a motion capture performance for a video game, an intriguing twist considering it was Dante's father's dubious business practices that left Razor financially crippled.
This scene stands as a turning point in the narrative, marking the beginning of Razor's journey back into the world of boxing.
The exterior shots of this scene were filmed at a house located at 405 Park Boulevard, New Orleans. The house embodies the Southern charm typical of New Orleans, adding authenticity to Razor's character and his circumstances. However, it's important to note that the house is privately owned and hence, interior access is not permitted for visitors.
To get to this location, if you're in New Orleans, you can take a ferry across the Mississippi River to Algiers Point. From there, it's a short 20-minute walk to Park Boulevard. Please remember to respect the privacy of the residents.
Razor calls Dante scene in Grudge Match
1000 S Peters St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
Razor, in a mix of desperation and determination, agrees to participate in the long-anticipated final match. This decision comes as Razor finds himself needing $15,000 to care for his ailing former trainer, Lightning Conlon (Alan Arkin).
Upon receiving the call from Razor, Dante is ecstatic. In a moment of pure joy, he screams "I won the lottery," exits his car, and walks away, leaving the vehicle in the middle of a traffic jam. This scene is an iconic representation of Dante's character, embodying his excitement and impulsive nature.
The scene was filmed at 1000 S Peters St, New Orleans, LA 70130. The area retains much of its appearance from the movie, making it a treat for fans who wish to visit the exact location. To reach 1000 S Peters St, if you're in New Orleans, simply head towards the Warehouse District. It's easily accessible by foot, bike, or cab from various points in the city.
Kid screaming scene in Grudge Match
Irene's, 529 Bienville St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
Kid is bursting with uncontrollable happiness after learning that Razor has accepted the final match.. Kid exclaims triumphantly, "30 years... Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes," as he yells out at the Knocked Out pub. An important turning point in the story, this scene shows how excited Kid is for the long-awaited grudge bout.
This scene, which was shot in front of what is now Irene's restaurant, provides a charming backdrop for Kid's triumphant moment. A subterranean gem in the French Quarter, Irene's first opened in 1992.
To visit this filming location, if you're in New Orleans, head towards the historic French Quarter. Irene's is located at 539 St Philip Street, and it’s just a 10-minute walk from the city center.
Conclusion
Grudge Match aims to leverage the popularity of Rocky Balboa and Jake LaMotta, two of the most iconic boxing icons of all time. Many moviegoers and boxing lovers are excited about the film's intriguing premise. Even while it enhances the film's authenticity, it should be mentioned that the actors playing these roles, Sylvester Stallone and Robert De Niro, are past their prime.
With a thrilling climax and a realistic depiction of aging, the film has triumphant moments that may be relatable to both younger and older viewers. Shot mainly in the vibrant city of New Orleans, Louisiana, famous for its music scene and rich culture, the film features dramatic boxing scenes. Shots in downtown Pittsburgh and the Edgar Thomson Steel Works add a slightly industrial vibe.
Despite its flaws, Grudge Match is still an enjoyable watch. So if you get a chance to visit the locations where Grudge Match was filmed, why not check them out for yourself?