Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Burt Young, Pedro Lovell and Geraldine Hughes
Director: Sylvester Stallone
Rated: M
AFTER Rocky first ascended those steps in Philadelphia to Bill Conti’s now classic fanfare and theme back in 1976, he now returns to prove that he is still alive, that life is worth living and to exorcise his inner “beast”, his demons, and move to the next, more peaceful, stage of his life journey.
Sylvester Stallone has not been able to let go of Rocky Balboa and, on the evidence of his new screenplay, Rocky has not been able to let go of Stallone.
Their lives parallel each other. And one can only wish for great success for this film, released at a time when Sylvester Stallone has reached 60.
In interviews, Stallone has been very candid about his life and career.
He acknowledges the effect of his early successes, especially the Rocky and Rambo series – a man who grew up poor then achieved all that could be desired in terms of career, reputation, marriage, wealth and comfort.
But, he admits, it went to his head and he experienced some chaos in his personal life as well as a deterioration of his career.
He had to go back to his roots, his Christian roots and rediscover values and authentic meaning for his life.
This is what happens to Rocky Balboa – although his character seems to have made a better fist (and fists) of his life than his creator.
Rocky is now grieving the death of Adrian.
He runs a successful, well patronised restaurant, where he recounts his tales of the ring to eager customers who also want a photo opportunity.
He loves his son who feels that he has been overwhelmed by his father’s reputation and lives in his shadow. Paulie is still his close friend.
In his late 50s, Rocky still has the urge to fight another day.
TV pundits speculate how he would have fared had he fought a bout with the current world heavyweight champion – and they provide a computer game to illustrate this.
A challenge for an exhibition fight is offered. It is a redemptive challenge for Rocky.
Is it wishful thinking? Is it his ego? Has he the physical stamina to endure?
And so, with great feelings of nostalgia for the Rocky movie fans, the training (adapted to his age and condition) begin again.
After this, the training and bout are very much for boxing fans.
Others will look at the punishing fight more as the will of a warrior striving for victory with his talent.
The screenplay, as with the other Rocky movies, is by Stallone himself.
The supporting characters this time are Robert Balboa – with some effective scenes between father and son, frankness in resentment and reconciliation.
There are some specific Christian references and images indicating Stallone’s own spiritual journey.
Movie discussion circle
- What do you think Rocky is really trying to prove by returning to the boxing ring?
- What are the qualities that make someone a champion in the sporting field?
- When do you know you have reached your peak in any endeavour in the journey of life?
