Down For The Count... "Countdown"

Countdown (2016)

Rated R

Starring Dolph Ziggler, Kane, Katherine Isabelle

Directed by John Stockwell

The Story:

Ray (Ziggler) is a detective who's living on the edge. Facing suspension by his captain (Kane), he goes rogue to save a boy who has been kidnapped and has a bomb strapped to him. His only ally as he tries to elude both the police and the Russian mafia is an Internal Affairs (Isabelle) officer who was leading the charge to have him suspended or fired.

The latest offering from WWE Studios allows Dolph Ziggler (Nick Nemeth) his first feature movie and Kane (Glenn Jacobs) a supporting role as the Captain.

The nice thing with WWE Studios is they pretty much have their own farm system to take the most entertaining superstars and help them transition to actors.

While none of them will likely ever rival the Rock in terms of success or charisma, so far they've all held their own and turned in enjoyable performances in ultimately throwaway "B-Movie" vehicles.

This one is no exception.

Sadly, it may also be one of my least favorites from WWE, through no fault of Ziggler, who I think is one of the best wrestlers in the business today.

No, this one is saddled with a script that is borderline tedious and sometimes laughable. They had about 60 minutes worth of script, and 90 minutes worth of movie to make.

It features one of the worst car chase scenes in cinematic history.

Wait, I think there was actually more than one.

Basically, every time they are in a car... just hit fast forward if you're watching.

They used the car chases to get to 90 minutes. None of them were exciting; no snappy banter, no excellent stunts.

They were actually laughable or painful to watch.

This would make sense if this was the first movie WWE Studios has released, but it's not.

Ziggler deserves better, both inside and outside of the ring.

Final Grade:  C-

If You Smelllllll...What The Rock's Cousin...Is Cooking... "Royal Rumble 2015"

Royal Rumble

WWE Network

Only $ 9.99!

So another year has come and gone, and the greatest PPV of the year is now over.

However this year's Rumble felt a little... flat.

I expect more carnage and mayhem and fun in the Rumble, and I can't help but think the WWE Universe was short-changed just a bit.

The matches leading up to the main events were fine.

The World Heavyweight Championship between Rollins, Cena and Lesnar was a classic for the ages, and at the end of the night, the decision to let Brock retain the gold for WrestleMania is the right one, especially if you're going to build up a new star.

Which leads us to the Rumble.

A few returns from some names of Superstars past was fun. It was also nice to see Zack Ryder back in action from his injury.

But Bray Wyatt throwing everyone out early left the first third of the Rumble kind of boring.

It didn't fill with people and mayhem until almost the final third of the match, and by then it's almost too little, too late.

Eliminating fan favorite Daniel Bryan early this year caused them to lose the Philly crowd for almost the rest of the night.

Even Kofi Kingston's usual survival antics were telegraphed and really short-lived. :(

Note to WWE Executives: When you book a PPV or Raw in a Heel Town, expect the crowd to cheer the bad guys and Daniel Bryan.

Don't be shocked when they turn on whatever other decisions you have planned.

When Dolph Ziggler came out at the #30 and final spot, you began to think they are really going to push Ziggler as the David and Goliath story against Lesnar.

Nope.

It's all about Roman Reigns.

The beast from LAST year's Rumble gets his win, and moves on to WrestleMania to face Brock Lesnar.

Even an appearance from his cousin, The Rock, could barely turn the crowd back in Reigns favor as the crowd wanted, well, pretty much anyone other than the obvious choice.

Then the PPV ended with over 20 minutes to go in the usual running time...

Sorry WWE, that's not Best for Business.

Even at just $9.99.

Final Grade: B  And considering I normally give this show an A/A-, you can feel my Philly heat!

:)

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: I might watch parts again on the WWE Network, otherwise, see you next year for the 29th installment of my favorite PPV!