Review of Rocky Balboa (2006) by Ricardo Junior S — 24 Aug 2010

Rocky Balboa proves that following a formula isn't always a recipe for disaster. In fact, for this film it has quite the opposite effect.

For years, Sylvestor Stallone survived his career by starring in everything from clunkers to duds to straight to dvd crap to a Spy Kids movie. I suppose he just got fed up. This wasn't the 80s anymore. Stallone no longer had the power to dictate the stories he told. So he took a break. Then he came back with arguably his most iconic character in the 6th film in the Rocky franchise. After going out on a sour note after Rocky V, Stallone truly revives the American icon and creates a poignant and, suprisingly, great piece of filmaking.

Rocky Balboa follows basically the same formula the first four films followed to great success, so going into the plot is pointless. But, the film does something that feels truly magical. It brings the freshness of the original back. Maybe, that's because it introduces new characters just as interesting as the old or that Stallone gives a fantastic performance and proves why he's an actor first and action hero second.

The script here is fantastic. Stallone takes all the elements that made the first Rocky work and implments them here in a fresh and new ways. He brings Balboa back to the slums, he introduces a new female lead. He examines some very interesting themes like aging, fading stardom, responsibility and honor above social standing, and many others. It is suprising how intelligent and well made this film really is.

Stallone is also is top form as director here. He knows how contrast the lighting between a Hollywood boxer and Balboa's own slum. He knows how to bring across messages and feelings through the color of the scene and texture of his photography. But, this film is far from incendiary. It simply shows you a story, which has become a novel and almost foreign concept to make self indulgent filmakers. Stallone cares more about his characters and stories than himself and that is what makes this film work so well.

Rocky Balboa is old school. It is a simple story that manages to be truly inspirational. Not groundbreaking, but still great filmaking. Stallone may be old, but he knows how to make films with the best of 'em. This is proven both in his still impressive boxing and in a scene where Balboa confronts a committee about re-registering the old man to box. It is a great cinematic moment and we remember why we fell in love with both Stallone the actor and Stallone the director in the first place.

Rocky Balboa goves the franchise the ending it deserves. All a fan can say is thank you. Thank you Mr.Stallone for delivering what both the fans and the character of Balboa deserved. A truly great story with truly great characters ending up as truly great piece of filmaking.