Rocky Balboa
Directed by Sylvester Stallone
Starring Sylvester Stallone, Burt Young, Antonio Tarver, Geraldine Hughes, Milo Ventimiglia, and James Francis Kelly III.
Backstory
Rocky is one of those things where, it was always there in my childhood, but I really didn’t embrace it. I only ever saw the first film out of a mild curiosity. But, I’ll admit, when I heard Stallone was doing a sixth and final one, I had a bit of a morbid curiosity towards it.
Plot
It’s been several years since boxer Rocky Balboa stepped into the ring, and he’s settled into retirement. His beloved Adrian has passed on. He’s grown estranged from his son Rocky Jr., as Jr. finds it difficult having such a famous father. And now, Rocky owns a little restaurant where he regales customers with tales of his glory days. Meanwhile, in the pro boxing world, the current champ, Mason Dixon, is losing a lot of respect, as there’s no more true contenders and he beats up far weaker opponents. And then, ESPN does this computer simulated boxing match – Rocky in his prime vs. Dixon – in which it shows Rocky would win. And this stirs something in Rocky. He sets out on the road to get back in the ring, but then Dixon’s money-grubbing handlers step in, and before we know it, Rocky’s in an exhibition match with the current champ. Does Rocky still have it? Or has he grown to old?
What I Liked
There’s just a lot of good vibes in this film. Everyone’s working really hard, and doing there best, and it really shines. Stallone is back in fine form in one of his signature roles. It’s just really, really nice.
What I Didn’t Like
Well, it’s a Rocky movie, and it follows the Rocky formula pretty darn closely.
Final Assessment
It’s nothing mind-blowing, but it’ll warm you up and just make you feel good.