Directed by: Sylvester Stallone.

”It ain’t over ’til it’s over”

If you’ve been debating over whether to go and see Rocky Balboa or not, then read on…

 Did you get over excited as a child when watching the Rocky movies?  Did you punch the shit out of your friends or siblings whilst listening to Survivor’s classic “Eye of the tiger”?  Are you concerned that, after seeing Rocky 5, the great childhood memories of Rocky may be further tarnished by seeing Rocky Balboa?  I have good news. Rocky Balboa is a good movie.  It’s not just a good “Rocky” movie, it’s a good movie.

 If it’s cheesy Americana you’re after then hire Rocky 3 – heaven knows I enjoyed that movie too – but Rocky Balboa has a plot, underlying themes, impressive dialogue, humour and a side-swipe at the current state of heavyweight boxing.

 It’s over 10 years since Rocky’s last fight and he’s lost Adrian to cancer. Unable to get over his loss his is the life of a tragic ex-fighter. Running a small restaurant and re-telling stories of past glories to scarcely interested but polite diners, he cuts a tragic figure. His relationship with his own son has also deteriorated.

 Luckily for the viewer though, Rock still has the eye of the tiger, and begins to rediscover it after viewing a simulated computerized boxing match on national television.  Cue the music… I refuse to believe that there is a person alive who doesn’t get a ripple of excitement when they hear Rocky’s theme music accompanied by him training in his grey jogging outfit, bobble hat and converse boots!

As the movie comes to an end you’ll be glad to hear that you’re not in for a “Holywood” ending. You may feel a twinge of sadness and realization that the “Rocky” part of your life has passed, and there will be no more shadow boxing your friends in the bedroom to the beats of the soundtrack. You may spare a thought for Apollo, Mickey, Paulie, Rocky etc – all characters you grew up with – who have either passed away or been caught by Father Time.

However, you’ll be glad that Rocky has fought one last great fight, regained his dignity, and that Sly Stallone has dished up one final great Rocky movie.