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 - Better than I expectedI bought this movie because I was hoping it would compete with Rocky 1-4. I was hoping for the best but expecting another Rocky 5. Turns out this was a pleasant surprise. The only dislike I had was the relationship Rocky had with Little Marie and her Son. Rocky seems to have taken a liking to the son but yet the relationship was not explored. The fight scenes were great the dialouge was lacking. This Rocky did not leave a segway for a 6th movie but what a way to finish an epic adventure that the Rocky's have given us all. Rating:  - Excellent conclusion to seriesI was impressed by Rocky Balboa. Excellent storyline about Rocky facing his inner demons. Some good messages about life and character values such as tenacity, indomitable will, never giving up, heart, self respect and everything else we have come to expect from Rocky. This is a great finally and the perfect example of why we love the Rocky character. Rating:  - self-help with RockyGotta Be Willing To Take The Hits "Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It's a very mean and nasty place and I don't care how tough you are, it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life, but it ain't about how hard you can hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. It's about how much you can take and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done. Now if you know what you're worth, go out and get what your worth. But you gotta be willing to take the hits, and not pointing fingers saying you ain't where you wanna be because of him or her or anybody! Cowards do that and that ain't you! You're better than that!" -Rocky. So this movie... is not too bad, actually. Rocky is an old dog now, still got some good mileage left, but clearly he has taken his hits, and then some. In fact he seems to be pretty much done, his glory days long since past. But of coarse we know he's got some fight left in him and watching him pull himself up by his boots straps like the all American hero is, get back into shape and get into that ring one last time(?) you may actually feel respect for this character and enjoy the film. The greatest moment comes when his son shows up and Rocky delievers a truly inspired speech that serves as the message of the film. Stallone made a decent film and heartfelt send-off for Rocky. Rating: - The Final Bell I know alot of people thought that Sylvester Stallone was too old to play Rocky Balboa. I thought that he did a good job in "Rocky Balboa". Stallone did a good job of wraping up the Rocky franchise. I think that Rocky Balboa is just as good (if not better)than some of the other Rocky movies. I reccomend that before watching "Rocky Balboa" you watch the first Rocky movie. The reason why is because there is alot of referances back to the first Rocky movie. Rating: - Saving RockySylvester Stallone is feeling nostalgic lately. Between "Rocky Balboa" and the latest Rambo installment, he's trying to resurrect past glories and reconfirm that his skills as a writer/director/actor are worth recalling as solid. "Rocky Balboa" goes a long way towards re-establishing Stallone's credibility for the better. "Rocky Balboa" is a well done, feel good sixth chapter, redeeming the sometimes absurdity of the later Rocky films. Rocky is an older man, he's lost his Adriane but named his restaurant after her, has a son who hates living in a shadow. (Weird irony - years ago when Weird Al did a Rocky parody song to Eye of The Tiger, he sang about Rocky opening a deli.) But 'Rock' wants one more chance to show what he's made of after a simulated "Then Vs Now" simulation shows a fight between Rocky and current champ Mason Dixon. Cue Bill Conti and Stallone is sweats. Virtually a tribute to previous Rocky flicks (complete with multiple flashbacks and Burt Young/Paulie), the movie offers feel-good comments and philosophical asides like a zen-boxing Master. Rocky befriends Marie (Geraldine Hughes) and her son as an antidote to his loneliness, but is far too honorable to move beyond just helping her out. Showing the arrogant champ that the must important muscle being a real champ has is his heart. Proving to glib cynical sportscasters that age is just a number. The movie is very predictable, refuses to play into a maudlin ending, and - most importantly - absolves Stallone from the last few years of sleepwalking through his 90's movies. Interesting note - the filming in Philadelphia had already wrapped when a snowstorm hit that day, and the opportunity for more dramatic settings had arrived. The crew quickly grabbed a camera and filmed an impromptu re-shoot of the street-running scenes, ending with Rocky charging up the steps of the Art Museum in the driven snow.
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