Movie Review: Rocky Balboa
Published December 06, 2006
It is just plain depressing to watch at first, but it is ultimately palatable. The reason why is because, in classic form, Sly Stallone still has that Rocky charm. He goes from being a slouch one moment to giving an uplifting monologue about being a champion the next. He is still a bit slow, still very socially awkward, and yet he is still very lovable.
That lovable old Rocky is what carries the first two thirds of this film, keeping the audience interested until the moment we’ve all been waiting for –- until it is time to rumble! All at once, the music blares and the training montage, a classic element of Rocky glory, begins and leads us all the way up to the big finale –- the big fight between the champion of the past and the champion of the present.
The fight scene is uplifting, showing that the Rocky movies still have the ability to give me butterflies in my stomach and make me cheer. It is a finish that makes up for what the rest of the film lacks. So if you need help deciding whether or not to take a chance on this version of Rocky, allow me to help –- I say take the chance. Stallone still has what it takes to make Rocky the people's champ, and while the film is by no means a knockout, it will certainly be right there ‘til the final round.
Release Date: December 20, 2006
Final Grade: 
- Movie Review: Rocky Balboa
- Published: December 06, 2006
- Type: Review
- Section: Video
- Filed Under: Video: Drama, Video: Original Fiction, Video: Sports
- Writer: Neil Miller
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Comments on this articleComments
All of the Rocky movies were great. It never gets old, and now that its been so long, it feels a little contrived. Nevertheless, should make a good deal of new Rocky Fans.
This movie works. The reasons are too many to list. It's partly because of how the movie reminds us of our own mortality, the passing of our lives, an era, a feeling. It's partly because Stallone went back to his roots and recreated the lovable character we all came to adore. It's a good movie.
I actually enjoyed the movie. I cried. It was emotional. It was funny, and there was action. Rocky had alot of great words of wisdom. Its a must see movie.
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I was lucky enough to watch the sixth - and most likely - installment of the venerable Rocky franchise. The last Rocky was critically panned and suffered a clear decrease in viewership because the movie left our pugilist back to where his saga began, casting aside all progress his previous bouts earned him. 'Rocky Balboa' has the duty to set the Rocky franchise right again and does so, pulling no punches.
Like the first Rocky, it is an unabashed feel-good movie. It brings the Rocky saga full circle from many angles, from the appearances of old characters to the display of specific Philadelphia landmarks without relying on nostalgia to pique the viewer's interest. The acting is terrific. Sylvester Stallone delivers his best performance since Copland, commanding the screen and demanding your attention. Burt Young, who plays the irrepressible Paulie, nearly steals every scene he is in, and there are many. Even Antonio Tarver does a good job playing the antagonist Mason Dixon, but it's not much of a stretch for the real-life celebrated boxer.
I will refrain from typing out a lengthy synopsis of the movie (see Wikipedia) but at its heart, the movie is about a man who lost many people who he holds very dear to his heart and trying to regain a semblance of what it is to feel whole again. The man is a fighter and it is his reignited passion of the ring that draws the remaining people in his life to come back, forging tighter bonds. His life finds order from the apparent entropy that has dogged him for several years.
This movie is every bit as inspiring as the first Rocky and just as memorable. From the theme music, you will be hooked.