Rocky Balboa

The last (I hope) Rocky doesn't surprise with anything, the story is again simple and straightforward, with a pinch of combat adrenaline, and life wisdoms that sound out of Harlequin books, some of which caressed the soul. Rocky's final farewell to the audience in the boxing ring (and symbolically, Sly's farewell to this character, which suddenly catapulted him to the cinematic Olympus) left me surprisingly cold, but there’s no denying that it is a worthy farewell. Mainly because there is no lack of insight, Stallone faces the advancing years head on and occasionally throws down some nice and funny lines. In short, Sly made me happy. The film is worth 3 stars, the fourth one is thrown in for nostalgia’s sake, which Sly enlivened with several functional short flashbacks. And why not admit it, I have a soft spot for this hard-working "Italian Stallion". (09/01/2007)

A legend like Rocky Balboa could hardly have asked for a better retirement. More than ever, Stallone gave me the impression that he literally connected with Rocky, imprinting him with heart and soul, and it shows not only in his great performance, but especially in his sensitive and sincere direction. The film is a beautiful depiction of perseverance, indomitable desire, and the power of friendship, and though the story takes a predictable and well-trodden path, it still manages to strap us firmly into our seats and knock us off our feet at the end. I enjoyed it, plus I definitely figured out who Stallone's most famous and best movie character is: the Italian Stallion Rocky Balboa. 4.5* (02/10/2012)

The idea of the whole movie is a little far fetched, but it has its interesting points. You can’t help feeling a certain trepidation. However, from the very beginning it’s clear that their trepidation is unfounded. All the sentimental roaming around Philadelphia, his long contemplation, looking back on life, telling time-proven truths all seem sincere. It is a very personal picture that Sly put his “heart" into and that makes it all the more endearing. In fact, this is evident to the point that almost nobody will see anybody else than him himself in the role of Rocky. What significantly damages the movie is the boxing match itself. For one thing, it seems somehow superfluous here, it’s shot strangely, lacks energy and is overall uninteresting. Which, in view of the fact that it takes up the whole last third of the playing time, is displeasing. But the worst thing are the final credits. They are indescribable hell. Even so, meeting up with Rocky Balboa at the beginning of the autumn of his life isn’t boring, it’s old-fogey agreeable and surprisingly not at all ridiculous. If I were Stallone I would leave my boxing gloves hanging on their hook from now on. After all those years of service they have earned a good rest. (12/01/2008)

Rocky Balboa is a dementedly simple but pleasantly honest and modest little film about a washed-up boxer who still has something to say, and not just with his fists. The film’s prelude is a bit drawn out and, conversely, the climax is rushed, but *nostalgia* has its indisputable weight of likability, which irons out a lot of the wrinkles. Sly Stallone managed to do the same thing that his hero did – he didn’t make a great comeback, but he acquitted himself with dignity. (02/02/2007)

Sly did it. The end of the series about the Italian Stallion Rocky Balboa worked out as it should and as I wished. Stallone was clever about it using the only thing he had left: memories. It’s as though he's recapitulated his own life and transferred it to the character who's been with him from the beginning. The movie's success is also due to the performances, which are definitely above standard. In addition to the excellent Stallone, there is also the great Burt Young as Paulie (the only link with the past) and Milo Ventimiglia, who shows that he can stretch beyond Heroes. I'm overjoyed to return to the old days for an hour and a half, and I'm giving Rocky an extra star to say goodbye. Thanks. (29/06/2007)