Bending The Rules (2012)

The performances transcend the film's tropes, grounding it in characters that feel more complete than this subgenre often produces.

The film creates a perfect balance between action and depth of basic needs, in the midst of an infertile atmosphere.

The movie turns out to be a little better than the average. Starting from a romantic formula often seen in the cinema, it ends in the most predictable (and somewhat bland) way.

One of the best movies of the year! Incredible from the beginning to the end.

WWE Superstars aren't seen as actors, but in fact make some of the best action heroes on the big screen. They may be athletes showing off impossible moves in the ring, but they are also actors, who portray characters and memorize lines on a weekly basis. They are tailor made action stars, who even do their own stunts. That's why I was looking forward to Bending The Rules, It's star Edge is one of the most charismatic superstars in WWE history and he certainly didn't disappoint, unlike the script. The story follows a by the book District Attorney, who turns to an unconventional cop to help him, when his late father's prized possession is stolen. In order to score points with the man who is out to get him, the officer agrees, having no idea the case would take him into something much bigger. As I said Edge was great, the stunts were terrific, he was funny, and had great chemistry with Jamie Kennedy. This comedic duo could have made a great film together, if they didn't get stuck with a script that made little sense and was all over the place. This film randomly jumps between scenes without any context and without completing the scene before it, A lot of it just doesn't make sense. The whole premise is a bit ridiculous to begin with, a D.A. turning to the cop he's trying to bust to help him get back a stolen car, which leads to an international conspiracy, involving the police, the D.A., the FBI, gangsters, drug dealers, gang-bangers, and everyone else they could throw in there. Honestly, I continued to watch this film for it's humor and it's exemplary choreographed action sequences, beyond that, Bending The Rules is a pretty forgettable film.

I'm not a high-brow movie critic by any means. I have my personal niche of movies I tend to enjoy and I'm comfortable with that. I would make a terrible professional critic because I tend to find the good in all things artistic. When I bother to rate movies here, I usually rate them a 5 or better, I don't think I've ever given a 5 rating. I gave this one an 8.The 'co-lead role' actor is a pro-wrestler-turned-actor, but doesn't do a completely horrible job. It's really not difficult to imagine since a pro wrestler is simply acting a role for the most part. So he seems to carry a confidence that most newcomers don't have. His contrast with Jamie Kennedy is really good and there seems to be a good chemistry and blend to make the characters interesting. The plot and story line get a little confusing, lots of sub characters to remember and try to keep up with. But for me this makes the movie more interesting, especially the second or third viewing. You pick up things you missed the first time, and it's like watching a new movie. Some people have very analytical minds and can quickly pick this one apart in no time, so the details are part of the puzzle. In any event, there is enough action and comedy mixed with drama and suspense, it makes for a pretty decent movie overall.Plus... Any movie set in New Orleans is going to be interesting. Add a street-wise, bend-the-rules cop and you have a good foundation for Kennedy's comic relief. It's just a good formula in my opinion.

If you're looking for something other than a light junk food movie, you probably shouldn't be watching this one.Im almost tired of critics who critique based on what they think the movie should be, as opposed to what it is. There's nothing in this movie that shouldn't have played out exactly the way it did.I've heard lots of arguments about how it wasn't quite a drama, but it wasn't quite a comedy. Its not so hard to imagine that when a movie tries to play both parts equally, we end up with a watered down version of each genre. Typically you either have a drama with a few comic scenes, or a comedy with a few dramatic scenes. This film splits it right in half, whether it upsets the viewer or not.That said, i think that this was well executed. A buddy movie about two characters doing what they do best, despite the scorn of family, associates and management. What is received is an odd couple match up, with their own problems that make them human, as well as a understanding of the idea that they have their hearts in similar places, albeit different circumstances.If you want cream of the crop, find another flick. Otherwise watch this and enjoy it for whatever it can do. Movies are made for a reason, not always the one a viewer wants. This movie probably hardly makes my top 500. But watching it from an unbiased viewpoint, i enjoyed it, twice, for what it was trying to portray.

I am a grandma who thought I could endure this film for the sake of my grandson but actually ended up enjoying the flick myself. I have seen several "comedy" movies lately at the theater that just did not seem very entertaining, let alone funny, and a waste of the ticket price.My grandson bought this movie and even though I was not particularly looking forward to watching the film with him, I did and found it to be quite entertaining--and YES--FUNNY! Today's filmography tends to deal with lots of heavy apocalyptic issues and dark subjects leaving fun movies (those that are acceptable as family entertainment) hard to come by. I realize this film will not go down in the annals of time as a "classic film " which I am sure was not the intent of the filmmakers to begin with but what is wrong with a little relatively clean fun that makes you laugh for a while? As far as entertainment value--this film scores much higher in my book than many of the more publicized comedy flicks. In our opinion, the film was entertaining and we felt it to be money well spent for the entertainment value.There was great chemistry between Adam (The Edge) Copeland and Jamie Kennedy. I am not a wrestling fan myself but thought Mr. Copeland was quite charming upon watching the special features included on the DVD. And who doesn't appreciate the veteran comedic acting abilities of Jessica Walters (we still miss the "Arrested Development" TV series).In summary, if you just need some laughs without all the cursing and sexual innuendo--give this movie a shot--you may be pleasantly surprised--I was.