And so here we have it, to date the final entry in the long-running ROCKY series. It's hard to believe that a 30-year gap has passed between the first film and this one, and you might be forgiven for thinking the films would have run out of steam long before now. Not so. Like Rocky himself, this film is a winner and one of those movies that keeps on giving.
Of course, filming styles have changed, so this is the film that feels most up to date of the lot. Stallone employs new camera techniques, especially in the final boxing match which is almost overloaded with stylish inserts, black and white segments and effects to make it feel realistic. Before then, though, we have an engaging and warming human story in which Stallone himself is centre screen throughout. That Rocky is just as likable as he was in the first film is testament to the actor's abilities.
I was disappointed when I learnt that Talia Shire wouldn't be returning for this film, because Adrian has always been a big part of Rocky's life. I needn't have worried. Although the actress is absent, Adrian is present pretty much consistently throughout the movie. It's great to have Paulie back, too, and Geraldine Hughes is an actress who acquits herself well with a sweet could-be love interest.
I enjoyed having Rocky running a restaurant in his retirement, and I liked all the links with other films in the saga. I found the way that he gets back into the boxing world to be realistic and believable, and the training sequences are a heartening throwback to the earlier films in this series. There's nothing not to like here, just strong writing and overwhelming passion. I loved it.
Of course, filming styles have changed, so this is the film that feels most up to date of the lot. Stallone employs new camera techniques, especially in the final boxing match which is almost overloaded with stylish inserts, black and white segments and effects to make it feel realistic. Before then, though, we have an engaging and warming human story in which Stallone himself is centre screen throughout. That Rocky is just as likable as he was in the first film is testament to the actor's abilities.
I was disappointed when I learnt that Talia Shire wouldn't be returning for this film, because Adrian has always been a big part of Rocky's life. I needn't have worried. Although the actress is absent, Adrian is present pretty much consistently throughout the movie. It's great to have Paulie back, too, and Geraldine Hughes is an actress who acquits herself well with a sweet could-be love interest.
I enjoyed having Rocky running a restaurant in his retirement, and I liked all the links with other films in the saga. I found the way that he gets back into the boxing world to be realistic and believable, and the training sequences are a heartening throwback to the earlier films in this series. There's nothing not to like here, just strong writing and overwhelming passion. I loved it.