Rocky Balboa [Blu-ray]

Reviewed by:
Gene Newman

Rocky, like Sly Stallone, knew he had one last fight in him. And against all odds, including cynical jerks like us, he prevails yet again. Sheer grit and honesty retires this busted franchise as heavyweight champion of the sports movie world. First off, forget Rocky V ever took place. Now picture the current Balboa as a widower, since, sadly, Adrian died of "woman cancer." He's paunchy, but doing okay. He owns a restaurant, and is still a Philly hero, until a computer-mock-up fight against the current champ, Mason Dixon (real-life light heavyweight champ Antonio Tarver), estimates that Rocky would be the winner. It's sounds like a stupid premise, but considering the horrible state of boxing, Dixon's promoters know it's a huge payday and arrange an exhibition. Unlike the three sequels, it's shot more like an independent film/documentary and goes back to the roots of why Rocky is a classic. No matter how cheesy or nostalgic it seems at times, it's got some serious moments, and will undoubtedly give you chills. Extras include some worthwhile deleted scenes, a commentary from Stallone (who also wrote and directed this), as well as a bunch of featurettes where we learn that Stallone and Tarver were really punching each other. Plus, Stallone has a chance to explain how he managed to rescue Rocky 30 years later and retire the Italian Stallion with class. Here's hoping he can do the same with Rambo… Though, we're not as optimistic. (Then again, he could just replace the death of Adrian with the death of Richard Crenna and we got ourselves a premise!)

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