Rocky Balboa (2006) User Reviews

secret to this movie

[A_Different_Drummer · 7/10 · 28 February 2016]

If you are a film buff you know for example that Bogey did a number of films especially late in his career which, while not exactly Maltese Falcon, were nonetheless solid and entertaining.

So that is the key to this film. Understand that Stallone, who I think will be idolized by viewers of the future, does not know the meaning of the word quit. The oddsmakers said Rocky would stop at the second. When the 4th came out and was rock-solid (!) Hollywood was stunned.

Rocky 5 was a bit of a lemon but again Stallone never quits.

If you have seen all the Rocky films and they are still fresh in your mind, then his film will be a treat.

If you on the other hand are not a fan, or just arrived from another planet, then what you have is a well-told and well-acted drama that builds into a pretty good boxing film.

Either way you win.

((Designated "IMDb Top Reviewer." Please check out my list "167+ Nearly-Perfect Movies (with the occasional Anime or TV miniseries) you can/should see again and again (1932 to the present))

certainly the finest Rocky sequel in spirit to the original

[Quinoa1984 · 8/10 · 1 July 2009]

As far as the Rocky franchise goes, nothing really comes close to the original in terms of its intimate scope and epic grandeur on a low-budget (not to mention top-notch and near iconic cast). In terms of the sequels, while it's not always looked upon as the "best", I have a fondness for part 3, if only for its balance of drama and comedy and that it bridges the gap between the early part of the franchise and latter part. And yet in this final installment, Rocky Balboa, Stallone goes back to the roots: the dark and rundown streets of South Philadelphia, and while his film starts as a kind of eulogy for the series (not least of which for the character Adrian), it quickly kicks into gear as a celebration of what Rocky is all about. It's essentially a story of rising to a challenge, proving your worth to nobody in-particular except yourself, and also sticking close as possible to those you care about, family and friends... and the occasional awesome training montage doesn't hurt.

In this segment Rocky is in his 50s and runs a restaurant called Adrian's where he reminisces with the patrons with old stories. He also befriends a woman whom he used to walk home many years ago (she may have been a character in the original Rocky, I can't recall) who also has a son named "Stephs" for Stephen. But with his son unsure about what his father's legacy has on him, and Rocky's own unsure feelings about the "basement" inside of himself, of pain over Adrian dying, he decides to get back into fighting again. In typical "movie" style (and I mean this as a compliment to the conventional wisdom of the writing), a challenger comes forward, young Mason Dixon, who is undefeated and has come under scrutiny due to a computer simulation that shows Rocky, in his prime, could kick his ass. So, training commences, speeches of inspiration/hope delivered, and it all leads up to the big bout in Vegas.

The script, as mentioned, is perhaps the strongest thing here. Stallone shines as usual in his quintessential role, and seeing people like Paulie and Apollo Creed's former trainer played by Tony Burton are nice touches too. Little flaws: Milo Ventimiglia Jr, despite having the same "jaw" as Stallone put it, is not a very good actor here. I'm not sure if it was the direction he was given for the character or just how he is, but he was constantly stiff and then when called upon to get big in a dramatic scene like the confrontation with Rocky outside the restaurant (one of those "Don't do this!" scenes), it falls totally flat. There's also a beef one can have with the way inspiration is summoned in the climactic bout. When we see Rocky and Dixon fighting with just the normal camera angles it's riveting and taut, but then Stallone piles on the clips, the flashbacks, the slivers of nostalgia, and it just gets a little too much and almost (key word 'almost') spoils the momentum of one of the best fights in the entire franchise.

Sure, some of its humor is a little corny, and some of the line deliveries by Stallone aren't always given the biggest "umph" one would want (hey, it's Stallone, waddaya want), but it is a true-blue Rocky movie, and makes a fine sort of comeback note to a franchise that had its ups and downs over the 70s and 80s. It's nothing if not from the heart, in its craft and in its performances, and it should be admired as one of those final bows to an audience that knows this is the end, as opposed to dragging it out even further.

You can't go wrong with Rocky Balboa...

[chubbylove · 7/10 · 15 January 2007]

I really don't know what people were thinking about giving this film such a hard time. None of the other Rocky films were horrible, why would this one suddenly be? I agree, there were some cheesy things that obviously would have to happen to justify him fighting so old. But, he did a very good job writing in certain twists to make the story make a bit more sense how it could actually happen. I went into the movie expecting scene after scene to be cheesy. I was actually surprised by the lack of cheesiness, granted it had a bit.

This was a very heartfelt film. It was definitely going back to the kind of movie the first one was, not spending too much time on the fighting part of the story. The fighting was toned down quite a bit in this one, probably so Stallone could acquire a PG rating.

The film is rightfully rated PG, and I would recommend it to any age group. Just a touching story about caring, friendship and love. An excellent way to end the Rocky series...

"Rocky Balboa" does not disappoint!!

[robin_r_hollenbeck · 10/10 · 4 December 2006]

I recently attended a pre-screening for "Rocky Balboa" in Denver. This movie was so powerful, that I went through every emotion imaginable while watching it. There are some very humorous parts in the movie, there are some sad parts of the movie. However, the message of the film is moving. This particular "Rocky" movie focuses on Rocky's life after boxing. It really develops his character in ways that the other movies have not. The trailer that is out does not do this movie justice. If you want to see a movie with a deep message and a whole lot of heart, you will not be disappointed. Don't think "Another 'Rocky' movie" and brush it off. This movie is well written, the acting is great, the characters seem like real people. Even though I have already seen it, I will be back on opening day to see it again. It is an instant classic. So keep an open mind and give this movie a chance, you will be glad that you did!

"Maybe not a knockout - - - - - - - but on points, - - - I'd give it the thumbs up!"

[dgrahamwatson · 7/10 · 5 December 2006]

I've been able to see this before it's release date so I'll avoid giving too much away in this review. To start with when I heard that they were going to make a sixth Rocky movie you didn't have to be a die hard fan to wonder what were they thinking about, particularly 15 years after the last horrible outing! After 30 years since the original ROCKY was released one could only wonder what else they could conjure up after such a long hiatus? Yet this movie was not bad and it's important to stress that on a number of levels. This rendition of Rocky is true to the previous ones as again he is the underdog, a former champ who is encouraged to come out of obscurity and take on the current champ despite having been retired for 20 years.

Just to recap to the earlier movies for the moment, in the original ROCKY, in some sort of bizarre publicity stunt Rocky Balboa was plucked up from a short list of "bum of the month contenders" to leap frog genuine challengers for a crack at the undisputed heavy weight title. Although he falls short, because of the effort and the show that he puts on, the public demand a rematch and consequently sequel to ROCKY is made and so on. It's important to remember that in the 1970's the American public craved for there to be white heavyweight boxing champion so when the original ROCKY was released not only was it contemporary but captured the imagination of the public at the time. Apollo Creed as the champion was obviously modeled on the brash, cocky Muhammad Ali who you either loved or hated.

Also it's worth noting that in the 1970's and 80's boxing enthusiasts often wondered who would win in a fictional fight between the 1950's champion Rocky Marciano and the 1970's champ Muhammad Ali. Therefore it was no coincidence the name 'Rocky'was used in the 70's, but now today in ROCKY BALBOA we are now asking who would win in 2006, Rocky from the 70's and 80's or Mason Dixon from the 2000's? The question in this movie is actually more like a Rocky Marciano v's Ali now than it was in the 70's!

Another point worth mentioning is that in the original the conceited Apollo Creed was a flashy, arrogant, publicity seeking showman, but more importantly he was human. By the time of Clubber Lang and Ivan Drago in ROCKY'S III and IV respectively the Italian Stallion was up against fighters that did not seem to be human. They were void of feelings had no family and their physical prowess and abilities were so advanced that they seemed more like comic book or video game characters. In this movie Mason Dixon to a large extent returns the heavyweight champion to a more believable human role, although contemporary for 2006 i.e. athletic, brash and mean! I give credit to the writers here and to a large extent this is where the movie worked!

I don't know if it was a coincidence or if it was part of the thinking but ROCKY BALBOA was fortunate enough to be released at a time when the heavyweight boxing scene itself is in a shambles and resembles a three ring circus. From blown up middleweights to an alphabet soup of nobodies in their late 30's right up to a 7 foot Neanderthal lookalike that is totally useless,--- heavyweight boxing has never been more of a joke! In a time when top athletes in their respective sports are stronger, faster or bigger and more powerful than there peers from earlier decades, heavyweight boxing is about the only sport to have regressed. The skill levels and talent are so much poorer than their counter parts in the 1970's and 80's that none of them could even carry Muhammad Ali or Larry Holmes jock strap's when they were at their best! The International powers that be have in there zeal for money have butchered the world heavy weight boxing scene so badly that its turned into a freak show. Thus the idea of a former champion 25 years past his best challenging for a world title is not as far fetched as it once might have been!

This movie will have it's critics and while it is certainly not flawless I see no reason why this movie should be lambasted as it no doubt will be. At the very least it stands out from being better than 90% of the movies that are released today, many which are simply dreadful. If old 1960's,70's and 80's TV shows are revived on the big screen for the movie industries indulgence or else the public are fed an endless list of remakes why not another Rocky movie! The dialogue and writing while not great was no worse anything else I've seen recently and the production and camera angles were good. It's slow in certain areas particularly at the beginning but over all a nostalgic effort which tried to capture the theme of the earlier rocky movies. Apparently Sylvester Stallone was never happy about ROCKY V and for years the memory of it tormented him, well I think this one will have exorcised that demon ,a much better effort overall. Check it out!

Balboa shocks the World

[tonystalloney · 10/10 · 14 December 2006]

Balboa is gonna hit so many people in different ways.

I suppose you can look at any great film and see a message in there, but the Rocky franchise is so inspirational, even the 5th one.

This new film has had me thinking, and though some reviews have said it's a trip down memory lane and a rehash of the 1st, well the point is, as reflected in the film, that Rocky IS living in the past, like so many of us do for one reason or another.

The message as stated in the film "you gotta keep moving forward", I don't know if its me or just pure genius, but if you LOOK you will find something that touches your soul throughout the franchise ..

So i wont drag this out...........

I left the theatre kind of stunned. Its been a long while since Rocko got back in the ring, and I, like everyone else, wanted a better film than Rocky V. Sly has wised up a lot over the years, and all I can say is....

THIS FILM DELIVERS BIG TIME !

The fact that its the 6th one, and to be honest, its no sci-fi film where you can really go to town on the plot, there is only so much you can do, and Sly has done it. Yeah, you could say that the plot mirrors Sly's life over the last few years, but all the Rocky's have done that in one way or another. This is Rocky back to his sweet and charming self, stunned with what life has thrown at him, and just going through the motions of, well, growing old, but still having that ambition to kick life in the balls and say "it ain't over til it's over". He looks great for 60, and doesn't over train for the final bout, he's kept it very realistic, and the fight itself is handled very well, and looks different to the recent wars we have been used to. The film isn't just about boxing, it's a drama, which will inspire you, if you can put your ego to one side and let it.

Paulie is fab, he calms things down and stops certain moments turning into what some people may call cheesy. Unfortunately people with no emotions call things cheesy, but they are the ones who have yet to learn what life can throw at you.

This film is up there with I & II, and I need to see it again!!!!!!!!

Overall

A perfect ending to the saga, and an amazing turn around for the franchise.

The Last Thing to Age in Somebody Is Their Heart

[claudio_carvalho · 7/10 · 23 April 2008]

In Philadelphia, the retired former champion Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) misses his beloved deceased wife Adrian; tries to get closer to his son Robert (Milo Ventimiglia) and has a routine life helping people, running his restaurant telling his past glories to clients and taking pictures with his fans. When the television shows a virtual fight between Rocky and the unappreciated undefeated heavyweight titleholder Mason Dixon (Antonio Tarver) wined by Rocky, he feels the need to return to the ring to practice boxing in little fights as a sport. However, Mason's managers see the chance to promote their non-charismatic champion in a fight in Las Vagas in a charity event and invite Rocky for "the fight of the century". And fighters fight…

I was reluctant to see "Rocky Balboa", but fortunately the high IMDb Rating convinced me to see this great movie, if not the best of the "Rocky" franchise. The plot is very well constructed, but the most important are the messages in the lines of the simple Rocky. His speech to his son is amazing and his attitudes are great examples to be followed. I have recently seen the last "Rambo" and together with "Rocky Balboa" I dare to write that Sylvester Stallone proves that "the last thing to age in some body is their heart". Congratulations to him! My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): "Rocky Balboa"

Best one since the original

[justiceryan · 10/10 · 25 October 2006]

Had the opportunity last night to see the World Premier of Rocky Balboa two months before it will be released. A great movie. I was impressed with it, in fact the storyline is something we will all appreciate. I am looking all over the internet right now to see if I can find the two speeches Rocky gives in the movie, that gave me chills. One was to the commission, when he tries to get his boxing license, and the other to his son. The acting is great, the storyline as stated before is great, the cast is well put together as well. This is Stallone's best acting ever. The only downfall, I thought was the soundtrack, as Mason Dixon (Antonio Tarver) entrance music to the fight is great, and of course the theme to Rocky is great, but other than that the soundtrack was not good at all. However as we all know we cannot judge a movie by its soundtrack. This is a must see!

A fitting and heartwarming conclusion

[GodfatherCW · 7/10 · 1 December 2006]

Sylvester Stallone completes his Rocky Epic with a stirring conclusion. I saw a special sneak preview in Detroit at a Kronk Boxing Gym benefit. Although the first 45 minutes kind of dragged, and at times the dialog made me cringe, its at least as worthy of Rocky II or the original Rocky. A lot of flashbacks, but it definitely wraps up the series a lot better than Rocky V did. It won't win best picture, or any great acting awards, but the cinematography was better than I've seen in a lot of the previous 5. As far as the big question in the blogs, does Rocky die in this one, you'll have to wait till Christmas and see for yourself. The music was great, the final scenes were great, and Paulie was great! It was also interesting to reintroduce the characters of Little Marie and Spider Rico from the first movie.

May upset you after watching the entire series!

[metehan711 · 5/10 · 15 October 2018]

After reading all the comments giving 10 out of 10 I started thinking whether I was the only one who actually liked Rocky series but not this one. Maybe this wouldn't be the case if I haven't seen this film right after watching the 5 precedents. However this is how it went on and I can definitely say that this movie lacked a lot that the five preceding, let alone the fabulous first two, films had.

I think its most crushing lack was Rocky's cause or motivation for the fight. Please don't tell me "'cuz Fighters gotta fight". No, they don't, particularly after their 50s and against a world champ at his 20s!! In all those first five movies, there was such a cause, such a logic behind those fights that would make you get into the movie and fight in Rocky's place if he ignored the challenges. This is apparently not the case in this one. I am sorry, but no, I couldn't feel it.

Another setback is references to previous movies. I was expecting more hitting, provocative and somewhat modernised references to past movies. To begin with, the training scene had nothing original! I was going for a run and even about to sign up for a gym each time I saw any of first four movies - RB can only be compared to the fifth one in these terms. As with the music, I would expect some changes to the original tunes which would make you feel like you're listening to a 2000s version of, for example, "Gonna fly now". Listening to the same song over and over again after years passed would simply mean that you couldn't add anything new on what you wonderfully did years ago.

Finally, the opponent. In most 21st century movies, when an actor is not artistically talented, he is at least expected to be handsome/beautiful or have a good body, as a consolation. This guy however lacked both criteria. In terms of script; he doesn't have a real story behind or an interesting connection to Rocky (please don't tell me that you bought that a world champion would ever accept to fight a senior legend just because he lost to his shape from decades ago in a video simulation).

All in all, if you want to drop your Rocky addiction for a while (until you start again in a year or so), I would definitely recommend seeing this movie. But if you want to stay in the loop, just keep watching the first two or four or even five of the series and skip RB.

Packs a punch

[rogerdarlington · 11 January 2007]

It all started way back in 1976 when Sylvester Stallone - who wrote the script and took the leading role - created the character of the Philadelphia low-grade boxer who managed, against all the odds, to go the distance with world heavyweight champion Aollo Creed and give the world a new kind of underdog to support. In "Rocky II" (1979), after 15 brutal rounds, he defeats Creed and takes the title. In 1982, "Rocky III" sees our hero lose to Mt T before Apollo helps him bounce back. By the time of "Rocky IV" (1985), the franchise had acquired an international dimension as the Cold War is acted out in the ring with Rocky squaring up to the Russian Ivan Drago. Another five years passed before Stallone felt that he had to return to the iconic role - in "Rocky V", he adopts a young fighter who turns on him.

That really should have been it - but, as the tagline for "Rocky Balboa" puts it, "It ain't over till it's over" so, 16 year after the last film and an amazing 30 years after the original movie, he's back. It seems that Rock is so missing his wife Adrian that, in spite of running a successful restaurant named after her, he finds that he has something "luking in the basement". On this sixth outing, the narrative arc is just the same as first time round - again a complete no-chancer facing a world champion after a gruelling training routine involving the same frozen meat, the same one-armed press-ups, and of course the same race up the Museum of Art steps - and the same music.

What's different is the advanced years of Rocky and of course Stallone himself - but he looks good, the film looks good, and you'll feel good at the final bell. As the man says: "It ain't about how hard you hit, it is about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward, how much can you take and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done!"

Rounds up the Rocky story

[Bored_Dragon · 7/10 · 24 January 2017]

There are so many Rocky movies one gets a feeling he's watching TV series. And when series is good we tend to emotionally tie to characters and now I'm sorry it's over. I thought, after 16 years since the last Rocky movie, this will be just another cheap attempt to squeeze more money out of the ancient franchise, but I was wrong. "Rocky Balboa" very nicely rounds up and closes this dear franchise. The story is emotional, has depth and it's very convincing, more than its prequels. I enjoyed every moment of this movie.

7,5/10

An incredible film....

[yzzman1 · 10/10 · 6 December 2006]

I just attended an advance screening of Rocky Balboa. This film is a truly beautiful character piece that deserves tremendous praise. For those of you who have written off Sylvester Stallone as an actor - you are in for a re-awakening of his talent. The writing is phenomenal as is the truly inspirational feeling you will get watching this - much like the first Rocky movie. Stallone wore three hats during the filming as screenwriter, director and star. Burt Young makes a terrific return as Paulie. Another highlight is Geraldine Hughes as Marie. Personally, I couldn't have hoped for a better conclusion to this legacy Sylvester Stallone has left for American culture known as "Rocky Balboa."

A Worthy Entry into the "Rocky Legacy"

[Uriah43 · 7/10 · 25 February 2016]

"Mason Dixon" (Antonio Tarver) is the current heavyweight champion of the world yet because he has been so dominant there aren't any contenders worthy enough to fight against him. "Rocky Balboa" (Sylvester Stallone) on the other hand has been retired for a long time but still believes he has one good fight left in him. So when the managers of Mason Dixon come to Rocky to propose an exhibition bout Rocky reluctantly accepts although even he believes that the fight would be one-sided. Now rather than reveal any more I will just say that even though the fight between the two boxers is quite entertaining, it's the events leading up to it that captures the character of Rocky and makes him so endearing to his fans. He is a good man with a big heart. At any rate, those who have enjoyed the "Rocky series" will certainly want to watch this one as it is almost on a par with the best. Accordingly, I rate this movie as above average.

Nice final chapter about Rocky saga with intimate Stallone

[ma-cortes · 7/10 · 6 October 2008]

Rocky now retired lives from records his deceased wife(Talia Shire in archive footage). Again he deals with alcoholic Paulie(Burt Young),and his estranged son(Milo Ventiglimia, substituting to Sage Stallone), a cocky executive. He's owned a restaurant where is homaged as one of the greatest boxing champions in the history. Meanwhile he knows a single mother(Geraldine Hughes)and falls in love with her. But Rocky comes out from retirement to combat strongest, youngest and faster contender ; he's Mason 'The line'Dixon(Anthony Taver). Rocky attempts to prove himself and his son.Then he's trained by veteran boxer named Duke(Tony Burton, as Burguess Meredith had dead).

This agreeable predictable entertainment displays splendidly the 'formula Rocky'. The movie works at usual manner, fitting appropriately to franchise. Writer-director-actor Stallone new outing is surprisingly entertaining and packs good feeling. Usual and nostalgic musical score by Bill Conti and atmospheric cinematography by Clark Mathis. The motion picture is lavishly financed by the producers complete saga, Robert Chartoff and Irwin Winkler and well directed by Stallone who along with John G Avildsen made the six Rocky.

While here the opponent is an invincible young boxer,champ of the world, in former entries the contenders were the following : Rocky 1, a corpulent Carl Weathers; Rocky II again Carl Weathers through a rematch; Rocky II against Mr T from A Team; Rocky IV against a massive Russian boxer played by Dolph Lundgren; and Rock 5 against an ingrate young fighter who he trained played by Tommy Morrison.

Just As Good As The First

[Prophet797 · 10/10 · 2 December 2006]

I saw this film at a test screening a few months ago. While I am a fan of all the films I think this one is the most on par with the first one. While two thru five were good films they had more to do with Rocky as a public figure and his fame. In this film he is not that distanced from the guy he was in the first, maybe just a little wiser. The film doesn't focus so much on boxing as it does on the actual character of Rocky and the trials he faces having one day been on top of the world and now he leads a simple life and thrives on his memories.

I am a huge Stallone fan but I realize his career has been in a slump lately, but this film would be a perfect resurrection for him. The acting is great and it has some of the best writing I've seen in years. Two very powerful scenes are when Rocky tries to get his license back and probably the best scene of the film is when he confronts his son.

Any Stallone or Rocky fan will love this film. And I'm sure a lot of people who had doubts about this film 30 years later or even Stallone being 60 years old will be very surprised and pleased. And it does not hurt that Sylvester Stallone is in better shape at 60 then half of Hollywood under 30.

I've already seen the movie but I plan to be there opening day to see it again.

Fantastic finale to the Rocky saga

[sonicdynamite · 9/10 · 4 December 2006]

I had the opportunity to see a screening of this movie. Having been thoroughly disappointed with Rocky five, I didn't have high hopes for this movie. I am very happy to say this movie brings the Rocky series to the rightful close that the fifth left so empty. This movie isn't so much about the boxing itself, but getting back to the roots of the Rocky story...that determination and courage with the love and help of others makes Rocky a winner no matter what.

This movie is rated PG, and parents will be happy to see that the graphic nature of boxing has been toned down quite a bit in this movie compared to others in the series. If you're looking for a touching family movie with a powerful message, Rocky Balboa is definitely a movie to see. I think adults and children over the age of 10 will throughly enjoy this movie.

Stallone finally brings Rocky back to respectability

[twk00 · 7/10 · 4 March 2012]

I didn't think it was possible but Sylvester Stallone made a decent movie out of this the 6th (!) Rocky film. He succeeds because he returns to what made the first film great which was a touching drama featuring real characters and an uplifting story. It's a nice little movie about family, getting old, and standing up for the things you believe in. It's utterly predictable but it works thanks to the heartfelt performance by Stallone. It's the best in the series since Rocky 2 and a fitting end to the Rocky story. Who knew a movie about a 60-something Rocky could actually be pretty good? If you've never seen any of the series do yourself a favour and turn the 6 movie franchise into a trilogy starting with the original, Rocky 2, and then this one. You'll be glad you did.

a heart-felt and meaningful end to the Rocky series

[bpreyss · 10/10 · 15 December 2006]

Now this is how you put to bed the greatest underdog story ever told.

Rocky Balboa deserves to be taken seriously because it really is a well-made film. Powerful acting, an uplifting message, and of course, some classic Rocky boxing fireworks make this film one my favorites of the entire year. GO SEE IT - YOU WILL NOT BE Disappointed!

(I saw an advanced screening in Chicago - Sly introduced it - He came off as a real humble, decent guy. He said he wasn't happy how Rocky V turned out. Well, he wasn't the only one. I tell you what though - He definitely made amends with this one because it may be the best, even better than the first. )

Not a fan, but still worth a watch...

[Nettik · 7/10 · 16 December 2006]

Went to the screening on the 14th of December and I am not a fan, but it was a good movie with plenty of scenes with comedy and drama. It pays tribute to the Rocky series and defiantly has style to it. Some shots were great, with the acting, writing, and direction, while others were average. So it weighs out to be about an above average movie to me, especially since I felt a little left out from not seeing the other five movies. You do not need to see the other five, but you certainly feel like you wish you had to understand some parts of the plots and characters.

Check out the movie if you get a chance.

A Movie for all Ages

[tylerdorais · 10/10 · 15 December 2006]

This movie was worth waiting for! It is full of life lessons - all worthwhile for people of all ages. This movie touches your every sense. It made me feel as good as I did after watching the 1st Rocky years ago - hopeful, grateful - it made me believe in myself & others!

Kudos to Sylvester Stallone for fighting like a Lion to get this film made the way he wanted. He fought hard to make sure the last chapter on Rocky, his Rocky, was presented the way he wanted! Rocky is a real live man..not an inaccurate Hollywood plastic ... but a character we all can relate to.

This movie was written and presented the way Mr. Stallone wanted ... thank God!! Its a movie to see with your kids ... your dad....your mom .... those you love...its the kind of movie this country needs more of.

Thank you Mr. Stallone

ROCKY BALBOA (Sylvester Stallone, 2006) ***

[Bunuel1976 · 7/10 · 2 January 2007]

The sixth ROCKY entry comes tiptoeing out of retirement after a 16-year hiatus and, against all expectations, practically revitalizes the initially highly-successful but subsequently maligned franchise. Sylvester Stallone takes complete control once again by starring in, writing, directing and serving as executive producer of this flawed but well-crafted and solidly entertaining audience-pleaser.

I say flawed because of several (mostly plot-related) factors: firstly, Stallone is 60 years old and while not especially looking it, his physique has taken an undeniably flabby appearance (particularly the face) which does not exactly lend credence to the fact that the Boxing Commission eventually permits him to ply his past trade once more; the brain damage implications which arose in ROCKY V (1990) are completely omitted here; Rocky is now a widower and, although we see him sitting by his wife's grave several times throughout the film, Stallone could not resist giving in to convention and minority groups by introducing an unlikely - and saccharine - love interest in the figure of an old acquaintance (Geraldine Hughes) and her half-Jamaican son; his ringside opponent here (Antonio Tarver), while still colored as had been Rocky's most formidable nemesis Apollo Creed, sports none of Carl Weathers' charisma or panache (which made one care for the character if not exactly cheer for him), even if this could constitute a sarcastic jab by Stallone at today's utterly colorless {sic} celebrities in most entertainment spectrums.

Even so, the film has other assets in Stallone's own determined, even moving performance, the presence of the grouchy (but always welcome) Burt Young and, most surprisingly, a well-written, perceptive script which highlights not only the plight of an ex-World Champion prize-fighter in today's disrespectful age dominated by computers and the search for increase of wealth over the old-fashioned values of dignity and pride but also, in the film's emotional highlight, the strained father-son relationship which arises when the younger generation has to regretfully live under the old one's (however pale) shadow. One cannot review a ROCKY film without mentioning the climactic boxing match and the one we have here, while understandably (and judiciously) more muted than the ones we had in the first four entries in the series, is still quite satisfying and invigorating.

All in all, while I can't really join in the "Oscar buzz" chorus which was bandied about by a few here, Stallone would surely be in the running had there been an Academy Award for Best Comeback of the Year.

Rocky's comeback movie.

[BA_Harrison · 8/10 · 7 September 2019]

It's tough growing old, but even though the body starts to crumble and the mind slowly fades, the fight should go on; this message, which will resonate with long-time fans of the series, is at the heart of Rocky Balboa, and makes for an emotional return for America's greatest fictional sporting hero.

In the years since returning to his old Philly stomping ground, Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) has lost his beloved wife Adrian to cancer, and settled into retirement from boxing, the heavyweight champ now running a restaurant called Adrian's. His son Robert (Milo Ventimiglia) has very little time for his old man, bitter that he has lived for so long in his father's shadow. Feeling lonely, Rocky befriends bar-woman Marie (Geraldine Hughes) and her son Steps (James Francis Kelly III), who support the ageing boxer when he decides that what he really wants to do is return to the ring.

Stallone returns to the directing chair for this sixth film in the long-running franchise, and he does a great job, carefully balancing the sentimentality with the action, never letting things get too schmaltzy or too cheesy. Rocky's fight to pick up the pieces and keep moving forward is inspirational, his kind nature is heart-warming, and his motivational speech to his son is frank yet touching. The final 'exhibition' match between Balboa and current heavyweight champion Mason 'The Line' Dixon (Antonio Tarver) proves that the film's star still has what it takes in the ring, the fight being just as hard-hitting and tense as those against his opponents in parts one to four (the less said about Tommy Gunn the better).

While I could have done without all of the fancy visual touches during the closing fight (rapid cuts between full colour and black and white), Rocky V ably proves that comebacks are possible, even this late in the day.

It Ain't Over 'til It's Over - Third favorite best Rocky movie for me!

[ivo-cobra8 · 10/10 · 4 November 2015]

Rocky Balboa (2006) is truly the best Rocky Movie since Rocky III and IV, maybe the best of all time!! Still the first movie is the best, Rocky Balboa is close to the first film, the best movie in the series of all time! It is my second favorite best film In the series. I love this movie to death the same as I love Rocky I,III and IV to death! in my opinion it is better than new movie Creed! For me Rocky IV will be the best in the series. This movie brings closure to the ultimate sports movie. This movie showed the true essence of who Rocky was and what he was all about. The film has a heart unlike Rocky V who did not had a heart. The most that I love In this film is, the training sequence. The film is fast paced, entraining, not boring or over too long. It truly follows the roots from the first Rocky film, it is a 30.year anniversary after the success of the first Rocky film from the 70's. I love how Rocky meets little Marie (Geraldine Hughes) after 30.years and everything what Rocky predicted in the first film, really happened to her. Tony Duke (Tony Burton) did return in this film. There is no Adrian (Talia Shire) in this film, I am happy she wasn't in here. I heard something that Stallone did not cast her in the film, because she wanted much more money.

Rocky, helped Marie and her son. He adopted little puppy and he run the stairs of his former statue. Running with his dog on the stairs was one the most touching sequences, I have ever saw! The speech he gives his son is probably one of the most inspiring speeches I've ever heard. This movie is Stallone's masterpiece, moving, touching, not boring unlike (II & V), Sylvester Stallone gave his best performance after the first film , I ever seen. The fighting sequences are realistic like in the first film! Antonio Tarver (Mason 'The Line' Dixon) wanted more money before he would agree to star in this film, so Sylvester Stallone gave half of his salary so that he did started in this film.

Rocky Balboa (2006) was a huge impressive improvement over Rocky V. The fifth movie was the most sad film to the series I have ever saw. Even Sylvester Stallone him self was very disappointed with the flick, how it ended. I even heard they originally wanted to kill the Character Rocky Balboa, Sylvester Stallone did not allowed that to happened with his character he invented. I am glad that he did come back after 16.years of disappointment to redeem him self and the most beloved character of the history! I have singly enjoyed this film, more than I did Rocky II, IV and V.

People keeps saying Rocky V goes back to his roots well that would be Rocky Balboa not Rocky V. Rocky Balboa is going once back they way he was in Rocky I we see Little Marie after 30.years and everything what he predicted really happened to her. Rocky Balboa in this movie he has a heart we also see Spider Rico. Thank god there was no Adrian in this movie she annoyed the hell out of me. Sylvester Stallone made in my opinion one of the best movies and wonderful performance in my opinion. Rocky III, Rocky I and Rocky Balboa are in my top three best movies of Rocky that I absolutely love. After the huge disappointment in Rocky 5, Stallone has come back with a vengeance to complete this historic franchise. And he does it in style. The story is simple, but the characters are beautifully portrayed. I also heard that Stallone was planning to make this film in 2004 after a failure of Rocky V (1990) and he executed perfectly!

"It Ain't Over 'til It's Over"

Thirty years after the ring of the first bell, Rocky Balboa comes out of retirement and dons his gloves for his final fight; against the reigning heavyweight champ Mason 'The Line' Dixon. That is your basic plot.

I love this film to death, It is my second favorite best film of the series that I just love and Enjoy. I am giving it a 10/10, because the film deserves it.

Rocky Balboa (also known as Rocky VI) is the sixth installment in the Rocky franchise, written, directed by, and starring Sylvester Stallone, who reprises his role as the title character. The 2006 film in the Rocky series that began with the Academy Award-winning Rocky thirty years earlier in 1976.

"It's not over 'til it's over"

[jpschapira · 7/10 · 19 May 2007]

I'm a big fan of Sylvester Stallone, so I'm not going to lie to you: when I heard this movie was coming out, I couldn't wait. In fact, Stallone put the first pages of the screenplay in a magazine he had (I don't know if he still has it) and I was able to read them…They didn't sound so bad, coming from a man who's had it rough in the film industry; mostly from critics. I never stopped watching his films, and I don't want to make a relation between "Rocky" and Stallone's life, but Rocky's comeback in the film is also a big comeback for the actor; and he emerges triumphant.

I will never forget a phrase spoken by a character in "Driven", a film written by Stallone. "It's not about how many times you fall, but about how fast you get up". That's the Rocky mode, and Stallone shapes the words a little bit for this new screenplay. Everything in "Rocky Balboa" is new and old at the same time; it's, in the end, Rocky's life with blasts from the past.

In fact, Rocky seems to be stuck in the past. Therefore we get the usual flashbacks, now very accurately placed by Stallone in his director role. He knows the story by heart, well enough to reinvent it a thousand times. Who better than Stallone himself to direct this last movie and put the right memories at the right time? And how he lives with these memories and tries to cope with them becomes his piece's main appeal.

With the fading cuts, he takes us through the story once again; developing parallel plot lines within the big plot line: the troubled relationship between Rocky and his son (played convincingly by Milo Ventimiglia), the relationship with an old and now virtually nonsensical Paulie (Burt Young, of course), the life and issues of Rocky's new rival Mason Dixon (Antonio Tarver) and also a little bit of love for Rocky's heart.

It's true that everything is a little bit egotistical, with practically every person congratulating Rocky all the time at the beginning of the film, asking him for autographs and old stories about fight, but Stallone finds a balance and makes good use of the ego element. Even though he knows it, it sure wasn't an easy task to bring the character back in a new light; and I'm not talking about the story, but about the performance. Stallone makes this aged Rocky tender and calm; unable to forget but with compassion, in a winning and measured portrayal…A rediscovery and evidence enough for anyone who thought he didn't deserve his only Oscar nomination.

However, the most amazing rediscovery comes with Bill Conti's score. He took the classic melodies and made an uncountable number of arrangements. Not once, the "Gonna Fly Now" tune, whether sung or played, appears to be the same during "Rocky Balboa"; Conti has piano, strings and even an electric guitar in the iconic 'going up the stairs' scene, where Rocky gets to the top and raises his hand before the camera makes a still image of the moment…That's a good cliché; maybe just a Rocky cliché.

Stallone's screenplay for "Rocky Balboa" is surprisingly not clichéd, but it is very corny. It's too corny for its own good, because it deals with the important issues seriously, but the corny factor turns against it. It's not all bad, though: there are some compelling and moving moments in it and, as he takes us to the final fight, we feel that the script is short and that Stallone had a lot more to say. This feeling is accentuated near the ending, where everything moves kind of fast. The movie lasts 95 minutes…Maybe Stallone needed more.

Leaving the script aside, what's clichéd is the Rocky story in general; we all know. Stallone plays with this expectation element in the last scenes, arriving at conclusions for the big issues that are so deliberately blatant and therefore worthy of applause; and finally make the film more honest. The fight is presented as if it was an original HBO TV presentation. It's a good call by Stallone, who accentuates crucial moments of the fight with stylized black and white shots, changing instantly to color and to black and white again.

Because that's what "Rocky" ultimately is: a fight. "Rocky Balboa" has elements from all the other five installments. It would be nice if you sat down one whole day and watched the complete "Rocky" Anthology…This film is a perfect ending for it and, as Rocky himself would say: "I'd appreciate it".