Rocky Balboa: Knockout or Washout?

The long anticipated "Rocky Balboa", starring and directed by Sylvester Stallone, has proven to be a box office hit since its release date on December 20^th, 2006. According to boxofficemojo.com, "Rocky Balboa" has brought in a worldwide total of $111,031,990. That's $68,879,040 in domestics, and $42,152,950 in foreign countries. Not too bad, considering the $24 million budget they had to go on.

Since the last movie in the series came out in 1996, many fans have been wondering whether it will live up to their expectations. The answer is probably yes, as can be seen by the movie's revenue. However, this is not because it is that extraordinary of a movie. It is because of the fan following of the series, and their dedication.

Cast

Rocky Balboa- Sylvester Stallone

Paulie- Burt Young

Mason 'The Line' Dixon- Antonio Tarver

Rocky Jr.- Milo Ventimiglia

Marie- Geraldine Hughes

Steps- James Francis Kelly III

Plot

It has the typical underdog story that many movies, including the rest in the series, has. The only difference is that Rocky Balboa is undergoing new struggles, such as the death of his wife, Adrian, and the inevitable aging factor. This time the adversary he must face, Mason "The Line" Dixon, is a boxer in his prime who has lost respect from the fans due to his title being unchallenged by a worthy opponent.
The first hour or so of the film deals mostly with Balboa coping with the loss of Adrian and a new friendship he has found in Marie, whose character first appeared as a teen in the first film of the series.

Throughout the film many flashbacks of the previous films were added, minus Rocky V, which Stallone admits is the "weak link of the film series" (IMDB.com). Despite the exclusion of that film in the series where Rocky takes on a betraying protégé, "Rocky Balboa" ties all aspects of the past together nicely, creating emotion from its viewers.

The part that most fans of the Rocky series are looking forward to, the final fight, doesn't come until about the last half hour of the film. Though the outcome of the climax is fairly far-fetched considering Rocky's age, it is respectable, and a good way to end the seemingly everlasting series.

Conclusion

If a grade were to be given to this film, a B- would suffice. The plot and cinematography were good, but not outstanding. The acting is what gives this film heart. And let's face it...anything is better than Rocky V.

Miscellaneous

Release Date: United States - December 20, 2006

Rating: Rated PG for boxing violence and some language.

Runtime: 102 minutes

Language: English/ Spanish

Location: Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

Los Angeles, California, USA

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA