Latest Review

  Rocky Balboa

When the sixth instalment of the ‘Rocky Balboa’ saga was announced, many commented that Sylvester Stallone was well past his prime, and should’ve hung up the boxing gloves after the lacklustre Rocky 5. However, in his first outing as the Italian Stallion in 16 years, Stallone proves that he can still pack a mighty punch.

The new film finds Rocky reliving his glory days, as he recounts his stories to eager customers in his Philadelphia-based restaurant, Adrian’s. The outcome of a computer generated fight on television between him and undefeated champion Mason ‘The Line’ Dixon (real life boxer Antonio Tarver) reunites his passion to fight. Facing an uphill struggle to convince the boxing commission, national press, and even his own son that he is still in fighting shape, Rocky admirably struggles to get his life back on track.

Having been a widower of many years, Rocky unexpectedly finds comfort in a blast from his past, Marie (Geraldine Hughes). Softly spoken and full of motivating advice, Marie very much feels like a replacement for Adrian in the film.

Burt Young returns as the likable looser Paulie, Rocky’s brother-in-law and unlikely friend throughout the years. Milo Ventimiglia (Peter Petrelli from Heroes) plays Rocky’s career focused son, and trainer Duke (Tony Burton) returns to the gym to dish out some more eye of the tiger.

‘Rocky Balboa’ is very much a trip down memory lane, and an enjoyable one for those who cheered him on in the past. With blistering fight choreography, adrenaline pounding music and a lot of heart, there is plenty to still get excited about.

After a slew of misses since 1997’s triumphant ‘Copland’, Stallone is back on form and looking great for his age. A satisfying and nostalgic conclusion to the Balboa story, and one that is sure to leave a new generation cheering “Rocky, Rocky”.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

- Audio Commentary by Sylvester Stallone

- Skills Vs Will: The Making of Rocky Balboa

- Reality in the Ring: Filming Rocky's Final Fight

- Boxing Bloopers

- Deleted Scenes

- Alternate Ending

Review Format:

DVD

3

Rating out of 5: