Rocky Balboa

Having watched all 6 Rocky films, this is my favorite quote of them all (and there are definitely a lot of quote worthy moments):

"I'd hold you up to say to your mother, "this kid's gonna be the best kid in the world. This kid's gonna be somebody better than anybody I ever knew." And you grew up good and wonderful. It was great just watching you, every day was like a privilige. Then the time come for you to be your own man and take on the world, and you did. But somewhere along the line, you changed. You stopped being you. You let people stick a finger in your face and tell you you're no good. And when things got hard, you started looking for something to blame, like a big shadow. Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It's a very mean and nasty place and I don't care how tough you are 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 about how hard ya hit. It's about how hard you can get it 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 ya gotta be willing to take the hits, and not pointing fingers saying you ain't where you wanna be because of him, or her, or anybody! Cowards do that and that ain't you! You're better than that! I'm always gonna love you no matter what. No matter what happens. You're my son and you're my blood. You're the best thing in my life. But until you start believing in yourself, ya ain't gonna have a life. Don't forget to visit your mother." - Rocky Balboa

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?