Rocky Balboa
[Moozik: Tangerine Dream - Bois De Bologne]
That sound you hear is the sound of any street cred I had rapidly slipping away. Why? Because I'm just about to admit that I actually liked the first four Rocky movies. There, I said it. Even the Mr T one, even the Dolph Lundgren one. (Well, to be fair, I was a little younger in those days so perhaps if I re-watched Rocky III and Rocky IV today I'd be singing a different tune). Along with other Rocky fans, I watched the almost unwatchable Rocky V and it was perhaps one of the worst films I've ever had the mispleasure of sitting through.
Fast forward to 2006 and we have Rocky Balboa about to hit the big screen and I'm in two minds. Should I watch it, you know, for old times sake? For some sort of closure to the whole Rocky story? Or should I avoid it like the plague because my gonna-suck-predictometer is going off. Hmmm.
After "Rocky V" left Stallone feeling as if the movie series had hit the canvas, he loves the way the latest — and final — film allows some cinematic closure for the gritty Philly fighter.
Stallone said "Rocky Balboa" shows an older Rocky, who is reluctant to get back in the ring but ends up fighting just to compete, not necessarily to win. Old pal Paulie is back, but Rocky's been growing apart from his son. One crucial character doesn't return, though somehow she still gives The Italian Stallion the added inspiration to fight for the title one more time.
No Adrian!