Rocky Balboa Actually a Good Movie?

Hollywood Reporter‘s Michael Rechtshaffen gives it a rave review.

First 007 gets back to basics, now, 30 years after the Italian Stallion came out swinging, Sylvester Stallone has returned to Rocky’s humble roots with an unplugged edition that emerges as one of this season’s more pleasant surprises.

Dispensing with those bloated Roman numerals, “Rocky Balboa” — for those keeping count, it’s the sixth in the series and the first since 1990′s winded “Rocky V” — defies all expectations with a low-key, technically stripped-down production that really does come close to capturing the heart and soul of the original.

That one, with a budget of less than $1 million, played like gangbusters, punching up more than $56 million in 1976 dollars.

[...]

There’s a disarming quality to Stallone’s thoughtful script that has a way of stopping smirking skeptics right in their tracks, as if to say: “Yeah, yeah, I know what you’re thinking. But at least give me a shot here.”

And darned if that gently self-effacing approach doesn’t melt away those preconceived notions.

I must admit, the prospect of watching a 60-year-old Sly Stallone in a boxing match has not appealed to me. Especially since Rocky V was dreadful sixteen years ago! I’m still unlikely to head to the cineplex for this one, but I’ll likely take a look at the DVD when it comes out on Netflix.

Popularity: 13% [?]

Rocky Balboa Actually a Good Movie?

ADVERTISERS

TOPICS

AFFILIATIONS