Review of Rocky Balboa (2006) by Winston H — 30 Oct 2014

In the final fight, Rocky comes to the ring accompanied by Frank Sinatra's "High Hopes." This is fitting not because the film has any sort of cockeyed optimism about being bigger than it is.

But rather, the melody of the song matches the feel you get from "Rocky Balboa". It's a genuinely warmhearted walk down memory lane that packs enough of an emotional punch to pleasantly surprise most who'd only viewed this as a last bid for glory.

There's something Stallone is able to do with the role of Rocky that he doesn't seem to bring to his other characters. There's a certain, intangible earnestness, almost sheepishness that Balboa carries about himself that almost instantly endears him to you.

A fine and fitting end to a classic franchise.