FanUnity B(uzz)log

The Rocky franchise ran the gamut of quality. Starting from the heights of the Best Picture winning classic “Rocky”, the franchise went a downward quality trend that only “Rocky III” interrupted. Even today, when showing the original “Rocky” to those only acquainted with the character’s place in pop culture, it is necessary to remind people that they are about to see an Oscar-winning film. Even Stallone will admit that “Rocky V” is borderline embarrassing, and he didn’t want his iconic southpaw going down like that. Time heals all wounds and its been 16 years since “Rocky V.” Like many moviegoers, I was ready to get back in the ring with the Italian Stallion.

“Rocky Balboa” is an unapologetic trip down memory lane. Mourning the loss of Adrian to cancer, Rocky is a man who exists in the present but lives in the past. He lumbers around his daily life in Philadelphia, beloved and gracious to those who love him. He holds court at an Italian restaurant he owns named for his late wife, and still hangs out with that dirtbag brother in law of his Paulie. After watching an ESPN show on a simulated fight between himself current heavyweight champ Mason Dixon, Rocky gets the itch to get back in the ring. After Rocky convinces/confuses the Pennsylvania Sports Commission into giving him a boxing license with an impassioned but appropriately inarticulate speech, Dixon’s managers come calling the ex-champ for a pay-per-view exhibition fight. A percent of the proceeds go to charity, of course, the smarmy boxing promoters assure Rock. When Rocky went for his license, his intent was to box locally, but Dixon’s promoters, knowing their fighter has no legit challengers in the run-down modern day heavyweight division, see the opportunity for an increasingly rare huge payday in a fight between their guy and Rocky. Rocky accepts.

Much of the first part of the movie is spent reminiscing about events from the first “Rocky.” On the anniversary of Adrian’s death, Rocky and Paulie go on a tour of the places where Rock and Adrian fell in love. We see the pet store, the parking lot that used to be the ice rink and the outside of Rocky’s old apartment. The pace is a little slow here and the lingering in nostalgia isn’t limited to just Adrian: we see Mickey’s old gym and Rocky’s old rival Spider Rico who Rock has taken in and given a job at the restaurant. It all starts to get to be a bit much by the time we meet Little Marie, the girl who Rocky walked home and told to quit smoking back in the original. Marie ends up filling the role of Rocky’s female inspiration, though their relationship is purely platonic. Just before this nostalgia starts to get too old, the movie gets on with the action.

At the weigh-in and press conference for the fight, it quickly becomes apparent that no one is interested in taking Rocky seriously. Mason Dixon certainly isn’t, and neither is the press. When privately offered the opportunity to take it easy and make the fight a show for the crowd, Rocky lets Dixon know that he intends on fighting to win. Laughed off, Rocky engages in one of his vintage grueling training montages while Dixon shows up for the fight a tad out of shape. Still, Dixon is an undefeated champ in his prime while Rocky is a 60-year-old with calcium deposits on his bones. Does really have a chance? You’ll have to see yourself, but what I can tell you is that the fight sequences are such that you cannot help but be caught up in rooting for Rocky one more time.

“Rocky Balboa” is a successful new ending to the “Rocky” franchise. While not as emotionally hard hitting as it might have been if Stallone had gone down a darker road, the movie does a great job of sending a positive message that with the will and commitment to be great, incredible odds can be overcome. “Rocky Balboa” is a sweet film, quality time spent with an old friend and a fable whose lesson is worth taking to heart.

4/5 Stars.