RAGING MIDLIFE – A Review by John Strange
Raging Midlife revolves around a shirt worn by wrestler “Raging Abraham Lincoln” before his match at “Rageamania” in the 80s. The entire crowd is booing him, except for two young boys sitting in the front row. He throws his shirt to them as a thank you for supporting him. Unfortunately, in the chaos that erupts, they lose the shirt.
Their lives move on, the shirt remains their one regret in life.
Many years pass and the men find the shirt is available in an online auction. They put their all into winning the object of their desires. And they lose.
Their machinations to relieve the winner of her prize are the bulk of the film. Their ideas are like watching a Zach Galifianakis movie but with a lower budget.
The acting is about what you expect in one of these movies. The additions of Paula Abdul as Mary Todd, Abe’s manager, and Walter Koenig are highlights in this slapstick film.
I must say that the cinematography is very good. The script, while dumb, works at the level of the film’s storyline. The film’s talent really take their characters to heart and manage to squeeze out laughs one after the other, sometimes thanks to their unique takes on those characters.
Can I recommend the film? Watching this film was much like watching The Hangover or its sequel, not necessarily something you can boast about watching but deep down, you liked it.
Director: Rob Taylor
Cast: Paula Abdul, Eddie Griffin, Walter Koenig, Emily Sweet, Nic Costa, Matt Zak, Darielle Mason, Bryna Smith, Rob Taylor, Motch O Mann, Judy Levitt, Joseph Aviel, Danielle Vasinova
MPAA Rating: NR TV-14
Selig Rating: 3 Stars
Runtime: 97 Min.
Release Date: 03/14/2025
Local Release Locations: Galaxy Grandscape 15, The Colony (Dallas, TX)
Language: English
Genre: Comedy/Action/Romance
Trailer: RAGING MIDLIFE Trailer
The Selig Rating Scale:
5 Stars – Excellent movie, well worth the price.
4 Stars – Good movie
3 Stars – OK movie
2 Stars – No need to rush. Save it for a rainy day.
1 Star – Good that I saw it on the big screen but wish I hadn’t paid for it.
