The greatest underdog story of our time is back for one final round of the Academy Award-winning Rocky franchise. Former heavyweight champion Rocky Balboa steps out of retirement and back into the ring, putting himself against a new rival in a dramatically different era.
After a virtual boxing match declares Rocky Balboa the victor over current champion Mason "The Line" Dixon, the legendary fighter's passion and spirit are reignited. But when his desire to fight in small, regional competitions is trumped by promoters calling for a rematch of the cyber-fight, Balboa must weigh the mental and physical risks of a high profile exhibition match against his need to be in the ring.
Rocky V (which most people considered the end of the series) had Rocky back in inner city Philadelphia and pretty much content with his life. He was not wealthy but had his dignity and his family. Approximately, ten years have past since we last saw Rocky. The Italian Stallion is now the owner and host of his Italian Restaurant (appropriately named Adriane's) in Philadelphia. He is working through the pain of losing his wife, Adrienne, to cancer and repairing his relationship with his son, Rocky Jr.
Rocky's struggle is more internal in this film than previous ones. He is overcoming the distant relationship with his son, his wife's passing, and trying to figure out what he needs to accomplish in his life before he passes from this earth.
A computer model comes out showing the Italian Stallion fighting the current heavy weight champion, Mason 'The Line' Dixon, and gets the Philadelphia native thinking-- Maybe there is a little left inside him for that last
fight...
With every successful series the usual downfall is its success. Rocky definitely did not dodge that jab. By the time Rocky IV came out the movie was a glorified MTV video. However, with Rocky V Sylvester Stallone tried to take the movie back to its roots, but it fell flat. This time however he succeeds on every level.
The cast is top notch and most of the cast from the original Rocky movie is back including an appearance by Rocky's first movie opponent Spider Rico (Pedro Lovell). To help fill in the gaps for a leading lady is series newcomer Geraldine Hughes who plays Marie (a character from Rocky's past), and Milo Ventimiglia, of television's Heroes, stars as Rocky's son.
Rocky's boxing nemesis, Mason Dixon played by Antonio Tarver doesn't get much screen time, but as with all Rocky films the movie ends with the ultimate battle and test for Mr. Balboa.
Being a child of the 80's characters like Rocky and Rambo were household names. I don't know one person in my age group that didn't get inspired by the hopes and dreams of Rocky. Rocky once again inspires the young and old to believe that working hard and doing the right will allow you to accomplish your dreams!
--Nathan M Rose
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Some material may not be suitable for children.
The greatest underdog story of our time is back for one final round of the Academy Award-winning Rocky franchise. Former heavyweight champion Rocky Balboa steps out of retirement and back into the ring, putting himself against a new rival in a dramatically different era.
