Like many Rocky fans, I was a little apprehensive with what to expect going into the last Rocky saga. I always prayed that Mr. Stallone made one more Rocky after the very disappointing 5. Let me just say that...it was well worth the wait. Sly doesn't disappoint his fans and gives us a befitting and very satisfying conclusion to the greatest underdog story of our time; arguably all time. This movie focused more on character development and takes us into Rocko's lonely life as a widower, running his restaurant Adrian's. Estranged from his son,who is struggling with his legendary father's legacy and trying to carve out his own identity. Paulie is back with his acerbic one liners and makes you laugh like old. The story is simple; Rocky wants to prove that age doesn't take away the fire inside and agrees to go one last round with the current heavyweight champ, Mason Dixon.I had lumps in my throat for a good part of the movie. The only complaint I had was Rocky's overzealous worshipping of Adrian's memory. Her picture in his van, many pictures in his restaurant and visiting her grave everyday was a bit much. But that's minor. Anthony Tarver does a fine job in underplaying his part and lets Stallone take it away gloriously as Rocky. Sly does an excellent job as the aged warrior Rocky and proves that it's not age but attitude that shapes our legacy and how people will remember us.
I actually found myself enjoying the latter day life of Rocky more than the fight itself, until the last three rounds which were in one word-- unbelievable. Intersperced with flashbacks, the fight had zippy camera-work, b&w images, and fast jump cuts which made it all the more real looking.I bet Sly could beat Tarver in real life, he was that convincing as a 60 year old heavyweight. And oh yes, he would knock out a Foreman in the first round easily. I know you guys are dying to know how the montage and music is. It was understated and more believable. Rocky lifts 270 pound plates and does medicine ball pushups. And the best of all-- Conti's "Gonna Fly Now" comes soaringly alive in it's 21st century avatar.I won't give it away, but watch out for the new addition to it. I simply love this version even better than the original.Rock's old friends are all there--Cuff and Link grown ups now, and a new lovable mutt called "Punchy". Marie's role was essayed well, though I felt her son had little value to add. The only time I felt like cringing was when Tony Burton comes on. Age hasn't been good to him at all. He looked wizened and when he utters the "hurting bombs" dialogue, it felt corny and cheesy. I wish he had risen to the occasion and done a better job. This movie is full of inspiring quotes. I remember top of mind the "sunshine and rainbows" speech to his son and another one where he tells Marie that "you don't need to owe anything to give something". The last run up the stairs with Punchy was beautiful with snow falling and was a great cinematic moment.
I would like to say that rest aside all your fears and go see this movie and spread the word to family and friends. I would like to thank Mr.Stallone for not disappointing us and giving us a very satisfying conclusion to our favorite hero's fairytale story. Go enjoy this movie and I am sure many of you will see it again. I definitely will. The triumph of will and the human spirit lives alive and well in this world. The movie proves that in spades. And it's all the more believable because you see a real 60 year old man proving that "It ain't over till it's over". If I had to compare, I'd say this movie is on par with the original. It will make you laugh, it will make you cry. But most of all, it will inspire a whole new generation.
I actually found myself enjoying the latter day life of Rocky more than the fight itself, until the last three rounds which were in one word-- unbelievable. Intersperced with flashbacks, the fight had zippy camera-work, b&w images, and fast jump cuts which made it all the more real looking.I bet Sly could beat Tarver in real life, he was that convincing as a 60 year old heavyweight. And oh yes, he would knock out a Foreman in the first round easily. I know you guys are dying to know how the montage and music is. It was understated and more believable. Rocky lifts 270 pound plates and does medicine ball pushups. And the best of all-- Conti's "Gonna Fly Now" comes soaringly alive in it's 21st century avatar.I won't give it away, but watch out for the new addition to it. I simply love this version even better than the original.Rock's old friends are all there--Cuff and Link grown ups now, and a new lovable mutt called "Punchy". Marie's role was essayed well, though I felt her son had little value to add. The only time I felt like cringing was when Tony Burton comes on. Age hasn't been good to him at all. He looked wizened and when he utters the "hurting bombs" dialogue, it felt corny and cheesy. I wish he had risen to the occasion and done a better job. This movie is full of inspiring quotes. I remember top of mind the "sunshine and rainbows" speech to his son and another one where he tells Marie that "you don't need to owe anything to give something". The last run up the stairs with Punchy was beautiful with snow falling and was a great cinematic moment.
I would like to say that rest aside all your fears and go see this movie and spread the word to family and friends. I would like to thank Mr.Stallone for not disappointing us and giving us a very satisfying conclusion to our favorite hero's fairytale story. Go enjoy this movie and I am sure many of you will see it again. I definitely will. The triumph of will and the human spirit lives alive and well in this world. The movie proves that in spades. And it's all the more believable because you see a real 60 year old man proving that "It ain't over till it's over". If I had to compare, I'd say this movie is on par with the original. It will make you laugh, it will make you cry. But most of all, it will inspire a whole new generation.