Review of Rocky Balboa (2006) by Erikf. — 16 Dec 2006

This is how the series should end. Stallone's performance as Rocky in this film is more honest and natural than what he attempted in ROCKY V, in which his performance seemed more like an imitation or impersonation.

Stallone successfully pulls of three emotional monologues about (separately) grief, opportunity, and father-son relationships, reminding us that, when necessary, Stallone can be a talented actor when he needs to be.

As an antagonist, Mason "The Line" Dixon is not as charismatic as Apollo Creed or entertaining as Clubber Lang, but he's not cartoonish like Ivan Drago or boorish like Tommy "The Machine" Gunn.

In fact, he does not have much of a personality. He serves his purpose - a statement on the current boxing scene which lacks any real, inspiring, or entertaining champions. Burt Young once again steals the film as Paulie.

Not having Talia Shire return as Adrian was a wise decision, for it gives Rocky more depth. Thankfully, Stallone cast Milo Ventimiglia to play his on-screen son rather than have his real son Sage Stallone return to the role.

ROCKY fans will enjoy seeing minor characters Duke, Lil Marie (the little girl from the first filmwhom Rocky warns about hanging out on street corners and she replies, "Screw you, creepo!") and Spider Rico (who fought Rocky in the opening of the first film) reintroduced into the series.

However, Mr. T returning as Clubber Lang (which was rumored on the internet) would have made the film more nostalgic and enjoyable. Overall, the film is entertaining and ROCKY/Stallone fans will enjoy it.