The Rocky movies are pretty synonymous with cinema. You’ve got every kind of movie you could want, the intimate Academy Award-winning underdog original and its closely knit sequel, the fun and cheesy spectacles of Rocky III and Rocky IV, the misguided attempt to recapture its roots with Rocky V, and the old war horse, broken down, one-last-fight inspiration of Rocky Balboa. The story behind the first movie is as engaging as the movie itself, which is why it will be the subject of a new movie from Peter Farrelly called I Play Rocky.
Blu-ray.com has unveiled that Warner Bros. Home Entertainment will now be releasing the Rocky series, sans Creed spin-offs, with the new 4K Ultra HD Rocky: Ultimate Knockout Collection. The set will encompass all versions of the commercially released films in Uhd, which includes both the theatrical version of Rocky IV and the recut Rocky Vs.
Blu-ray.com has unveiled that Warner Bros. Home Entertainment will now be releasing the Rocky series, sans Creed spin-offs, with the new 4K Ultra HD Rocky: Ultimate Knockout Collection. The set will encompass all versions of the commercially released films in Uhd, which includes both the theatrical version of Rocky IV and the recut Rocky Vs.
- 5/26/2024
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
(Welcome to Tales from the Box Office, our column that examines box office miracles, disasters, and everything in between, as well as what we can learn from them.)
There are few franchises as enduring and roundly beloved as "Rocky." Sylvester Stallone was a nobody actor who managed to pick himself up by his bootstraps and turn this story of a nobody boxer into a critical darling and box office smash, as well as an enduring piece of Americana. More than that, the perceived quality of this franchise, nearly 50 years after its inception and nine films in, is pretty damn impressive. But before "Creed" came along to revitalize the series for a new generation, it was "Rocky Balboa" that revived it and made the spin-off possible in the first place.
The 2006 film is notable for an array of reasons, most notably that it featured Stallone getting back in the ring at...
There are few franchises as enduring and roundly beloved as "Rocky." Sylvester Stallone was a nobody actor who managed to pick himself up by his bootstraps and turn this story of a nobody boxer into a critical darling and box office smash, as well as an enduring piece of Americana. More than that, the perceived quality of this franchise, nearly 50 years after its inception and nine films in, is pretty damn impressive. But before "Creed" came along to revitalize the series for a new generation, it was "Rocky Balboa" that revived it and made the spin-off possible in the first place.
The 2006 film is notable for an array of reasons, most notably that it featured Stallone getting back in the ring at...
- 3/4/2023
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) is unsurprisingly the key figure in the "Rocky" franchise, as its central protagonist, its driving force, and with the franchise starting directly from Stallone's own brain. When the franchise first spun off into Ryan Coogler's "Creed," Stallone's fingerprints were still all over it. New character Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan) is, of course, the son of Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers), Rocky's antagonist-turned-friend who tragically died fighting Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren) in "Rocky IV." The first "Creed" film sees Rocky mentor the up-and-coming young fighter, whose goal is to become the heavyweight champion of the world.
Stallone was also heavily involved in "Creed II," with Rocky training Adonis to fight Viktor Drago (Florian Munteanu), the son of the man who killed Apollo. There are high emotional stakes in a sequel that adds another great character to the expanding "Rocky" and now "Creed" universe. "Creed III" is now in theaters,...
Stallone was also heavily involved in "Creed II," with Rocky training Adonis to fight Viktor Drago (Florian Munteanu), the son of the man who killed Apollo. There are high emotional stakes in a sequel that adds another great character to the expanding "Rocky" and now "Creed" universe. "Creed III" is now in theaters,...
- 3/3/2023
- by Jeff Ewing
- Slash Film
The Rocky movies all started with Sylvester Stallone, which became a cultural phenomenon. It extended into the recent Creed franchise, which stars Michael B. Jordan in the lead role of Adonis Creed. Here’s a look at all Rocky and Creed movies, according to Rotten Tomatoes scores.
‘Rocky V’ (1990) Sylvester Stallone as Rocky | United Artists/Getty Images
Rocky Balboa (Stallone) recently retired, but his accountant landed him into some serious financial troubles. He makes the bold decision to mentor a younger boxer named Tommy (Tommy Morrison). Meanwhile, Rocky tries to improve his relationship with his son, Robert (Sage Stallone).
Rocky V sits at the bottom of all of the movies with 31% on both the Tomato-meter and the audience score. It strives to capture the original film’s spirit, but it falls incredibly short.
‘Rocky IV’ (1985) L-R: Sylvester Stallone as Rocky and Dolph Lundgren as Ivan Drago | Sunset Boulevard...
‘Rocky V’ (1990) Sylvester Stallone as Rocky | United Artists/Getty Images
Rocky Balboa (Stallone) recently retired, but his accountant landed him into some serious financial troubles. He makes the bold decision to mentor a younger boxer named Tommy (Tommy Morrison). Meanwhile, Rocky tries to improve his relationship with his son, Robert (Sage Stallone).
Rocky V sits at the bottom of all of the movies with 31% on both the Tomato-meter and the audience score. It strives to capture the original film’s spirit, but it falls incredibly short.
‘Rocky IV’ (1985) L-R: Sylvester Stallone as Rocky and Dolph Lundgren as Ivan Drago | Sunset Boulevard...
- 2/28/2023
- by Jeff Nelson
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
I have to admit that I thought "Rocky Balboa" sounded pretty awful at first. 16 years after the popular franchise came to a disappointing close with "Rocky V," Sylvester Stallone was bringing his famous fighter back for one last shot at glory in his sixties. Surely it was going to be bad, right? Instead, Stallone proved once again that you can never write off the Italian Stallion, creating one of the most emotionally-satisfying entries in the whole series, a movie that took a heartfelt look at aging, loneliness, and grief before delivering a typically rousing finale. It is a fitting end to the "Rocky" saga in a way the fifth movie definitely wasn't, which is what motivated Stallone to give Rocky another comeback. He told the Chicago Sun-Times:
"I wanted to wrap up Rocky's story with a sense of hope, and 'Rocky V' didn't have that feeling at all.
"I wanted to wrap up Rocky's story with a sense of hope, and 'Rocky V' didn't have that feeling at all.
- 12/30/2022
- by Lee Adams
- Slash Film
Deontay Wilder has yet another ally in his goal to star in "Creed 3," because another huge star in the franchise is totally down with, actually advocating for, Wilder to hit the big screen in the next flick. Wilder told us some time ago that one of his main career goals was to get into acting, with his dream role being playing the son of Mr. T's Clubber Lang in the next 'Creed' movie.
- 5/5/2019
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
11:13 Am Pt -- We've obtained the 911 calls from the incident ... and Tarver can be heard asking to have Aziya escorted off his property before the alleged scuffle breaks out. A neighbor also called 911, saying Aziya showed up on her doorstep with a bloody face ... claiming Tarver punched him in the mouth. Ex-boxing superstar Antonio Tarver was arrested Monday for domestic battery -- after allegedly punching his 18-year-old stepson in the face multiple times, TMZ Sports has learned.
- 8/15/2018
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
[[tmz:video id="0_mjkb6sza"]] Here's Fat Joe telling TMZ Sports about the time he almost got the Hell Kicked Outta Him by Roy Jones Jr. ... and it was all over one of Joe's most favorite rap lines. You might remember Ja Rule's 2004 hit "New York" which featured Joe and contained a line where the rapper makes reference to Roy's career struggles at the time, having been Ko'd by Antonio Tarver. "Even Roy Jones was forced to lean back,...
- 7/5/2017
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Boxer Antonio Tarver says he was Set Up -- claiming he never used banned substances for his August '15 fight with Steve Cunningham ... and claims he's the victim in a diabolical frame job. Tarver was suspended 6 months by the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board for testing positive for a synthetic testosterone. Now, in a video statement from Tarver ... the 47-year-old is calling Bs on the positive test -- saying he took several other tests...
- 2/12/2016
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky Balboa turns trainer to a young star in a decent boxing picture with room for a sequel
In 2006’s Rocky Balboa, Sly Stallone’s ageing boxer was ridiculously called out of retirement for one last fight, going toe-to-toe with Antonio Tarver’s Mason “The Line” Dixon. After such nonsense, surely there could be no life left in this serial punchbag? Astonishingly, there is – and the result has already earned Stallone his first Golden Globe, for best supporting actor. Director and co-writer Ryan Coogler reteams with Fruitvale Station star Michael B Jordan to take the series on a left turn which will sensibly push Balboa to the side of the ring while newcomer Adonis Johnson takes centre stage. Johnson (Jordan) is the privileged son of boxing champion Apollo Creed, the father he never knew, but whose widow saved him from juvenile hall. Determined to make a name...
In 2006’s Rocky Balboa, Sly Stallone’s ageing boxer was ridiculously called out of retirement for one last fight, going toe-to-toe with Antonio Tarver’s Mason “The Line” Dixon. After such nonsense, surely there could be no life left in this serial punchbag? Astonishingly, there is – and the result has already earned Stallone his first Golden Globe, for best supporting actor. Director and co-writer Ryan Coogler reteams with Fruitvale Station star Michael B Jordan to take the series on a left turn which will sensibly push Balboa to the side of the ring while newcomer Adonis Johnson takes centre stage. Johnson (Jordan) is the privileged son of boxing champion Apollo Creed, the father he never knew, but whose widow saved him from juvenile hall. Determined to make a name...
- 1/17/2016
- by Mark Kermode, Observer film critic
- The Guardian - Film News
On March 24th, 1975, struggling actor Sylvester Stallone spent his last few dollars to see boxing champ Muhammad Ali fight Chuck Wepner. Thought to be an easy win, Ali surprisingly met his match: a career brawler who was having the fight of his life. Fifteen rounds and an Ali knockdown later, Wepner lost. But the scrappy no name fighter inspired Stallone, who emerged from a twenty-hour writing binge with a screenplay and an underdog character named Rocky Balboa.
The script quickly became a hot property in Hollywood, and several attempts were made to purchase it for stars like Burt Reynolds and Ryan O’Neal. But Stallone refused, knowing full well that no one could play the part like he could. Stallone eventually got his wish at United Artists, and under director John G. Avildsen, the rest became movie history. Released in 1976, Rocky was a global sensation, winning a Best Picture Oscar...
The script quickly became a hot property in Hollywood, and several attempts were made to purchase it for stars like Burt Reynolds and Ryan O’Neal. But Stallone refused, knowing full well that no one could play the part like he could. Stallone eventually got his wish at United Artists, and under director John G. Avildsen, the rest became movie history. Released in 1976, Rocky was a global sensation, winning a Best Picture Oscar...
- 11/25/2015
- by Danilo Castro
- CinemaNerdz
Boxing star Antonio Tarver says he "vehemently refutes" reports that he failed a drug test before his August fight with Steve Cunningham ... saying, "I am 100% innocent." Tarver is responding to an article on Si.com -- which says he tested positive for synthetic testosterone, which is considered a banned substance. But Tarver says he "categorically denies taking any banned substance before his fight with Cunningham." "I have no idea how my urine sample tested positive...
- 10/19/2015
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Rocky had Mickey. Daniel had Mr. Miyagi. And now Laila Ali has a wise mentor to guide her if she squares off with Ronda Rousey ... with ex-champ Antonio Tarver formally offering to train Muhammad's baby girl. Tarver -- a former 5-time boxing champ -- tells TMZ Sports he's been friends with Laila for years and strongly believes he could train her up to beat the Ufc star in a boxing match. "She knows I got her back and front,...
- 3/12/2015
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Antonio Tarver is making his comeback to boxing next month at age 45 and his son will be there to celebrate ... and also because he's on the same fight card!As TMZ Sports first reported, Tarver was released from jail on March 5 and immediately hit the gym so he could re-start his boxing career and make the money he needs to pay off his $200,000 gambling debt.Tarver's rep tells us ... Tarver will fight Johnathon Banks in...
- 8/7/2014
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
In honor of the star's 68th birthday, we celebrate some of the weirdest names he's ever written for films.
Hollywood heavyweight Sylvester Stallone turns 68 today, June 6, and he still looks like he could kill anyone he wanted with one hand tied behind is back - and his other hand inside a hungry crocodile.
What some may not know is that Stallone has had a prolific career as a screenwriter in addition to his acting career. He got nominated for his script for Rocky in 1976 right alongside his Best Actor nomination. He's also written all the Rambo films – including the acclaimed one, First Blood – and all of his Expendable films, not to mention several others.
One common thread that Stallone loves is giving his characters some crazy names. In celebration of the beloved action star's 68th birthday, let's take a look at some of the bonkers names he's given characters in his films.
Expendables Franchise...
Hollywood heavyweight Sylvester Stallone turns 68 today, June 6, and he still looks like he could kill anyone he wanted with one hand tied behind is back - and his other hand inside a hungry crocodile.
What some may not know is that Stallone has had a prolific career as a screenwriter in addition to his acting career. He got nominated for his script for Rocky in 1976 right alongside his Best Actor nomination. He's also written all the Rambo films – including the acclaimed one, First Blood – and all of his Expendable films, not to mention several others.
One common thread that Stallone loves is giving his characters some crazy names. In celebration of the beloved action star's 68th birthday, let's take a look at some of the bonkers names he's given characters in his films.
Expendables Franchise...
- 7/7/2014
- Entertainment Tonight
Antonio Tarver has just been released from a Florida jail ... and tells TMZ Sports he plans to hit the gym tomorrow to restart his boxing career so he can pay back his $200,000 debt. Tarver was locked up in Fl on a warrant from Nevada -- stemming from allegations he never repaid the Wynn Las Vegas on a $200,000 gambling marker from a 2012 gambling binge. But Wednesday evening, Tarver says famed boxing manager Al Haymon spotted him...
- 3/6/2014
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Jennette McCurdy's sexy lingerie selfie is all over the Internet -- and now she's pointing the finger at her ex-bf NBA star Andre Drummond. He's denying any involvement ... so who do you believe?Plus, Peyton Manning gets edgy -- dude's grown a little facial hair! Will a goatee be enough to help him put that nightmare Super Bowl behind him?And Mike Tyson has some hysterical financial advice for boxer Antonio Tarver ... who's in a $200,000 gambling hole.
- 3/5/2014
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Mike Tyson knows a little something about money management ... so, when we asked him to deliver some financial advice for Antonio Tarver ... he came through Strong. Of course, Tarver was arrested this weekend for allegedly not paying back a $200k gambling marker to the Wynn Las Vegas back in 2012. And yesterday outside of Crustacean in Beverly Hills, Iron Mike offered up some incredible free knowledge to the embattled boxer -- it's the best piece of...
- 3/4/2014
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
2:48 Pm Pt -- According to court records, Tarver's legal problems in Nevada stem from a beef with the Wynn Las Vegas ... and it appears Wynn is accusing Tarver of not paying back a gambling marker. The records show that Wynn went after Tarver for "breach of contract" ... which happens to be the same accusation that Wynn made against "Girls Gone Wild" honcho Joe Francis for allegedly not paying back a $2 million gambling marker he...
- 3/2/2014
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
On July 6, 2011 Sylvester Stallone will turn 65 years old. At an age when most Americans are considering their Social Security benefits, Stallone's career is the healthiest it's been in decades. He recently revived his long dormant franchises, "Rocky" and "Rambo," with new entries that were received to modest critical acclaim and less modest financial success. His latest film, "The Expendables," was the first he's headlined to gross over $100 million in the U.S. since "Rocky IV" back in 1985. Ten years ago, Stallone's career was dead and he was a joke. Now he's the world's leading manufacturer of viagra cinema, movies designed to showcase the aging male frame as it performs unnatural but remarkable physical feats.
What Stallone's done is basically without precedent. All of his former rivals for action film supremacy have faded away or moved on; all of his predecessors turned to moodier and more reflective work by the time they were his age.
What Stallone's done is basically without precedent. All of his former rivals for action film supremacy have faded away or moved on; all of his predecessors turned to moodier and more reflective work by the time they were his age.
- 12/29/2010
- by Matt Singer
- ifc.com
Sharon Nixon KellyAmerican Artists Group Management, Los AngelesJames Francis Kelly III is a child actor who had a speech impediment, but he never allowed that to get in his way. At age 4, he started learning martial arts, and he decided he wanted to be an actor after watching "Power Rangers." Shortly thereafter, he was enrolled in acting camp. He had an amazing discovery at camp: When he was acting, he stuttered less. This was the vehicle for him to reduce his stuttering, while studying his newfound love, acting. Five years later, his stuttering was cured. At the age of 9, his dedication was recognized while attending the Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute: His drama teacher invited him to serve as an assistant teacher for the youth summer-program class. Although James had other commitments, it was an honor to be asked and, as always, he rose to the occasion.After years of endless auditions,...
- 10/1/2010
- backstage.com
Chicago – There are very few characters as iconic as Rocky Balboa. A few images, sound bites, or even just a few notes of a song and audiences of the right age are transported back to the first time they saw the Best Picture-winning “Rocky,” the film that made Sylvester Stallone a star over three decades ago. That beloved sports film and the five sequels that followed have been collected on Blu-Ray for the first time in “Rocky: The Undisputed Collection”.
Blu-Ray Rating: 3.5/5.0
The original “Rocky” looks a little more dated with each passing year, but the spirit of the film is still effective. Watching it again for the first time in years, I was struck by how many films that followed it have copied the basic beats and tone of the film. Stallone’s smartest move with “Rocky” was keeping it simple; making it a story to which everyone could relate.
Blu-Ray Rating: 3.5/5.0
The original “Rocky” looks a little more dated with each passing year, but the spirit of the film is still effective. Watching it again for the first time in years, I was struck by how many films that followed it have copied the basic beats and tone of the film. Stallone’s smartest move with “Rocky” was keeping it simple; making it a story to which everyone could relate.
- 11/29/2009
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Rocky
Times like these, I hate reviewing classic films. What can I add that hasn’t already been said or covered about the 1976 Best Picture winner? Well, other than what film should have won it, but Rocky is a more than worthy candidate for the statue. It sometimes gets criticism for not showing enough of the epic fight at the end, but I feel that’s a brilliant move as we know these men will go the distance. The performances are excellent, the direction is up to par, and the story is a timeless classic. Truthfully, the alternate ending where Rocky throws the fight would have been interesting to see.
9/10
Rocky II
I’d forgotten what a depressing trip this was, which makes Rocky’s eventual win that much sweeter by the end of the film. This marked Sylvester Stallone’s second directorial debut and for the most part he...
Times like these, I hate reviewing classic films. What can I add that hasn’t already been said or covered about the 1976 Best Picture winner? Well, other than what film should have won it, but Rocky is a more than worthy candidate for the statue. It sometimes gets criticism for not showing enough of the epic fight at the end, but I feel that’s a brilliant move as we know these men will go the distance. The performances are excellent, the direction is up to par, and the story is a timeless classic. Truthfully, the alternate ending where Rocky throws the fight would have been interesting to see.
9/10
Rocky II
I’d forgotten what a depressing trip this was, which makes Rocky’s eventual win that much sweeter by the end of the film. This marked Sylvester Stallone’s second directorial debut and for the most part he...
- 11/18/2009
- by Philip Barrett
- ReelLoop.com
Professional boxer Antonio Tarver is suing the makers of Rocky Balboa for failing to pay him a performance bonus for his role in the movie.
Tarver starred as heavyweight champion Mason 'The Line' Dixon in the 2006 film, opposite Sylvester Stallone.
He claims bosses owe him a bonus based on how much money the movie pulled in, according to a lawsuit filed on Thursday in Los Angeles' County Superior Court.
Tarver is seeking what he claims he is owed - $1.5 million (£1 million) - plus interest, reports TMZ.com.
Tarver starred as heavyweight champion Mason 'The Line' Dixon in the 2006 film, opposite Sylvester Stallone.
He claims bosses owe him a bonus based on how much money the movie pulled in, according to a lawsuit filed on Thursday in Los Angeles' County Superior Court.
Tarver is seeking what he claims he is owed - $1.5 million (£1 million) - plus interest, reports TMZ.com.
- 5/1/2009
- WENN
First 007 gets back to basics, now, 30 years after the Italian Stallion came out swinging, Sylvester Stallone has returned to Rocky's humble roots with an unplugged edition that emerges as one of this season's more pleasant surprises.
Dispensing with those bloated Roman numerals, Rocky Balboa -- for those keeping count, it's the sixth in the series and the first since 1990's winded Rocky V -- defies all expectations with a low-key, technically stripped-down production that really does come close to capturing the heart and soul of the original.
That one, with a budget of less than $1 million, played like gangbusters, punching up more than $56 million in 1976 dollars.
But is Rocky gonna fly now?
Given that Bill Conti's mighty fanfare still has a way of putting a lump in the throat, the nostalgia factor, combined with the picture's underdog status among the holiday heavy hitters, might just result in Rocky going the distance for one final round.
There's a disarming quality to Stallone's thoughtful script that has a way of stopping smirking skeptics right in their tracks, as if to say: "Yeah, yeah, I know what you're thinking. But at least give me a shot here."
And darned if that gently self-effacing approach doesn't melt away those preconceived notions.
With his beloved Adrian having passed away, Rocky trudges along the streets of his South Philly neighborhood like a man who's been beaten down by the ravages of time and bittersweet memories of all-too-distant glories.
He's only too happy to regale patrons at his eatery, Adrian's, with those stories, but his habit of living in the past is beginning to grate on his old buddy Paulie (Burt Young, who's been there for all six rounds), who's no longer willing to accompany Rocky on those ritual tours through his old haunts.
Fortunately the guy we all know and love snaps back into form when an installment of ESPN's Man vs. Machine, which pits two athletes from different eras against each other in a computer-simulated competition, has current heavyweight champ Mason The Line Dixon (real-life boxer Antonio Tarver) going up against Balboa in a hypothetical bout that gives the Italian Stallion the upper hook.
Before you can say "yo," Rocky's back in training for The Real Thing, cartilage and all, much to the embarrassment of his son Robert (Milo Ventimiglia), who's still struggling to crawl out from under his dad's formidable shadow.
Although the picture hits a few, er, rocky patches once it ultimately enters the ring -- it also overplays the dead Adrian card with one too many visits to the cemetery -- up until the rather abrupt finish, Stallone's grass-roots approach works quite effectively.
Passing on studio sets in favor of actual locations with extensive handheld camerawork (incorporating both 35mm and high-def film), Stallone reconnects with a lot of what made the character so endearing in the first place.
In addition to all the familiar faces -- Tony Burton also returns as Balboa corner man, Duke -- Irish actress Geraldine Hughes does affecting work as the grown-up Marie (played three decades ago by Jodi Letitizia), now a hard-working single mother of a grown son (James Francis Kelly III), whom Rock has taken under his wing.
Of course, Rocky wouldn't be Rocky without that signature theme, and Conti has turned it into elegiac lament for the first half of the picture before cranking it up to full throttle for that last hurrah, as well as backing amusing end-credits footage of tourists from all over re-enacting the iconic ascension of those Philadelphia Museum of Art steps.
Dispensing with those bloated Roman numerals, Rocky Balboa -- for those keeping count, it's the sixth in the series and the first since 1990's winded Rocky V -- defies all expectations with a low-key, technically stripped-down production that really does come close to capturing the heart and soul of the original.
That one, with a budget of less than $1 million, played like gangbusters, punching up more than $56 million in 1976 dollars.
But is Rocky gonna fly now?
Given that Bill Conti's mighty fanfare still has a way of putting a lump in the throat, the nostalgia factor, combined with the picture's underdog status among the holiday heavy hitters, might just result in Rocky going the distance for one final round.
There's a disarming quality to Stallone's thoughtful script that has a way of stopping smirking skeptics right in their tracks, as if to say: "Yeah, yeah, I know what you're thinking. But at least give me a shot here."
And darned if that gently self-effacing approach doesn't melt away those preconceived notions.
With his beloved Adrian having passed away, Rocky trudges along the streets of his South Philly neighborhood like a man who's been beaten down by the ravages of time and bittersweet memories of all-too-distant glories.
He's only too happy to regale patrons at his eatery, Adrian's, with those stories, but his habit of living in the past is beginning to grate on his old buddy Paulie (Burt Young, who's been there for all six rounds), who's no longer willing to accompany Rocky on those ritual tours through his old haunts.
Fortunately the guy we all know and love snaps back into form when an installment of ESPN's Man vs. Machine, which pits two athletes from different eras against each other in a computer-simulated competition, has current heavyweight champ Mason The Line Dixon (real-life boxer Antonio Tarver) going up against Balboa in a hypothetical bout that gives the Italian Stallion the upper hook.
Before you can say "yo," Rocky's back in training for The Real Thing, cartilage and all, much to the embarrassment of his son Robert (Milo Ventimiglia), who's still struggling to crawl out from under his dad's formidable shadow.
Although the picture hits a few, er, rocky patches once it ultimately enters the ring -- it also overplays the dead Adrian card with one too many visits to the cemetery -- up until the rather abrupt finish, Stallone's grass-roots approach works quite effectively.
Passing on studio sets in favor of actual locations with extensive handheld camerawork (incorporating both 35mm and high-def film), Stallone reconnects with a lot of what made the character so endearing in the first place.
In addition to all the familiar faces -- Tony Burton also returns as Balboa corner man, Duke -- Irish actress Geraldine Hughes does affecting work as the grown-up Marie (played three decades ago by Jodi Letitizia), now a hard-working single mother of a grown son (James Francis Kelly III), whom Rock has taken under his wing.
Of course, Rocky wouldn't be Rocky without that signature theme, and Conti has turned it into elegiac lament for the first half of the picture before cranking it up to full throttle for that last hurrah, as well as backing amusing end-credits footage of tourists from all over re-enacting the iconic ascension of those Philadelphia Museum of Art steps.
- 12/15/2006
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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