Rocky Balboa Goes the Distance

A year ago when it was announced that Sylvester Stallone would be doing a sixth installment of Rocky, collective chuckles could be heard around America. After the disappointing Rocky V, in which the Italian Stallion lost his riches (and some brain cells) before taking the fight to the streets, nobody could fathom why another Rocky movie was necessary. And in an age where sequels and remakes often trump original storytelling in Hollywood, that was saying something.

Even Stallone wasn't pleased with the finished result of Rocky V, and knew he owed it to himself and the fans to do justice and properly lay his saga to rest. But just the thought of another Rocky movie was a joke, because after Rocky V, what story was left to tell? How could it be any good? But after shopping his baby around Hollywood for nine years, Stallone finally got the green light from Columbia Pictures. Short on believers but long on heart and vision, Stallone set out to finish his career-defining work as his own Rocky-a real-life underdog.

Like the original Rocky, the strength of Rocky Balboa is in its storytelling. An aged (but bigger-than-ever) Rocky continues to cope with the death of Adrian from ovarian cancer. Rocky's son keeps his distance, trying to live outside the shadow cast by his immensely famous father. Longtime brother-in-law Paulie is frustrated at wallowing with "Rocko" in his past. And Rocky learns some life lessons through his support for new friend Marie and her son.

Oh, and there's a fight. When it comes to the action, you can't help but get excited, especially when Rocky's trainer Duke says "Let's start buildin' some hurtin' bombs" to kickstart the film's requisite training montage. And by the time the fight arrives, it's hard to not sit on the edge of your seat in anticipation of the once-in-a-lifetime slugfest that's ahead. Moreover, everything from the computer simulation coverage on ESPN to the HBO-broadcast fight are authentic enough to make you think that all of this really happened.

There is a moral to Rocky Balboa, however cheesy or trite it may read. All I know is that the scene when an upset Rocky stands up to his son and delivers this dialogue is the most powerful in a boxing movie that packs plenty of punches:

"Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It is a very mean and nasty place and it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't how hard you hit; it's about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward. How much you can take, and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done. Now, if you know what you're worth, then go out and get what you're worth. But you gotta be willing to take the hit, and not pointing fingers saying you ain't where you are because of him, or her, or anybody. Cowards do that and that ain't you. You're better than that!"

With engaging character arcs, fresh dialogue, touching scenes, and a likeable hero, Rocky Balboa just feels right. But more importantly, by bringing the series full circle, it feels necessary.

Yo, Stallone: Bravo.