Rocky Balboa movie review
Yo, Adriane!?
By Josh Board
Okay, Rocky Balboa doesn’t say that in this one. She’s dead. No, I didn’t spoil anything for ya. You realize that in the opening credits when you don’t see her name. Maybe she thought it was ridiculous that they continue to make Rocky’s with the a 60-year-old actor pretending to still box (hey, George Foreman boxed in his 40s, but he’s a rare exception, considered by many the strongest puncher in heavyweight history). If there’s another Rocky, I better see him come into the ring in a wheelchair, that has a ring that is ramp accessable.
This movie isn’t bad. It’s well acted. It’s not corny and it’s very realistic the way things are done. The problem is, all this ground has been covered before. Rocky having problems with the son that’s living under his shadow (see Rocky V). Having problems in his love life (see Rocky, Rocky II, III); problems with the alcoholic brother-in-law (the talented Burt Young, that surprised me with a roll in Transamerica). And, of course, the predictable fight between a guy that is clearly better, but with more cockiness and less heart, then Rocky (see all previous Rocky films). With so many arrogant athletes today making the headlines, the way Mason Dixon (yes, that’s really his opponents name) is written, seems very believable. And the cameo by Mike Tyson, in which he starts a fight with Dixon as he walks into the ring, has you wondering if it’s real, too.
So, you won’t see a bad movie if you go to see this. You’ll just be seeing much of the same. The boxing scenes have improved dramatically, from the days of swings that missed by about a foot that we were supposed to believe landed. Or, that Rocky could take 10 punches in a row from a heavyweight fighter and not end up dying or in a coma. I’d say if you’re a boxing nut, and you didn’t get enough with Cinderella Man, go check it out. Everyone else can stick to the Ultimate fighting on cable.