Carano is a ‘Knockout’
Jake Rossen Sep 8, 2009
What’s the upside to getting gutted by a Brazilian she-demon with
more muscle definition than a Marvel comic character? Taking some
time off to roll with the punches: according to Variety, women’s
MMA center Gina Carano will be assuming the lead role in director
Steven Soderbergh’s “Knockout,” an
action-thriller
described as being “in the James Bond mold.” Carano will
portray a troubled misfit granted a second chance.
Can Carano act? It may not matter. Soderbergh, who has chaired big, noisy Hollywood movies like the “Ocean’s 11” series, is fond of taking on experimental projects that buck convention. “Bubble” cast non-actors as assembly-line workers; “The Girlfriend Experience” featured adult film star Sasha Grey. This is Soderbergh’s idea of staving off creative boredom.
Good for Carano, not so great for her fans: on the heels of Quinton Jackson allegedly cast in an “A-Team” remake (drowning a December match with Rashad Evans) and Cung Le polishing his Strikeforce belt between takes, popular fighters are facing increasing distractions from ancillary opportunities. All told, it will ultimately mean fewer fights we want to see.
The thing about this exodus to Hollywood: while the majority of athletes simply cannot act --most can’t even handle a deodorant commercial without looking stilted -- these are people without pensions and financial mattresses outside of fighting. If Carano’s middle age is supported by something other than starting a gaudy clothing company or getting clocked in the head years beyond reason, fan disgruntlement is just white noise. Take what you can get, when you can get it.
Can Carano act? It may not matter. Soderbergh, who has chaired big, noisy Hollywood movies like the “Ocean’s 11” series, is fond of taking on experimental projects that buck convention. “Bubble” cast non-actors as assembly-line workers; “The Girlfriend Experience” featured adult film star Sasha Grey. This is Soderbergh’s idea of staving off creative boredom.
Good for Carano, not so great for her fans: on the heels of Quinton Jackson allegedly cast in an “A-Team” remake (drowning a December match with Rashad Evans) and Cung Le polishing his Strikeforce belt between takes, popular fighters are facing increasing distractions from ancillary opportunities. All told, it will ultimately mean fewer fights we want to see.
The thing about this exodus to Hollywood: while the majority of athletes simply cannot act --most can’t even handle a deodorant commercial without looking stilted -- these are people without pensions and financial mattresses outside of fighting. If Carano’s middle age is supported by something other than starting a gaudy clothing company or getting clocked in the head years beyond reason, fan disgruntlement is just white noise. Take what you can get, when you can get it.
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