Rocky Balboa Review

After a long and illustrious career, Rocky is retired from the boxing world and managing a restaurant called Adrian's, named after his deceased wife. Rocky's relationship with his son is strained, because Robert Jr. feels he is always living in the shadow of his father's accomplishments.

Meanwhile, the current undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, Mason Dixon, is enjoying a successful boxing career, with no losses to his name.

A computer simulation match between Rocky and Dixon is televised, and Dixon is depicted losing to Rocky. After some struggle, Rocky gets his boxing license back and Dixon is urged by his promoters to get in the ring with Rocky.

Rocky runs into "Little Marie" from his old stomping grounds and an awkward love-interest relationship results. It is revealed that Marie had a son of her own, and Rocky invites them to stop by the restaurant some time.

Rocky decides to go up against Dixon in a highly publicized event. Robert, Rocky's son, confronts him about the risks involved in getting back in the ring. Robert is struggling with his own identity, unable to deal with all the attention his father is getting. Rocky gives a motivational speech, and Robert decides to help Rocky in his training.

The training begins, and Rocky, realizing his limitations, goes to work on building a more powerful punch instead of going to work on his footwork. Robert Jr., Marie's son, and Paulie are all there to support him.

As the exhibition match begins, it is apparent that Rocky doesn't have the speed or footwork that he used to. Still, he endures round after round, and the match ends in a split decision. Rocky admits that the champ has heart, and proves that he can still Rock... um, box.

I thought that this was actually a really good movie, and thought it was more enjoyable than Rocky IV or V. It was even grittier than the previous films.

What did you think about it?