A KNOCKOUT OF A REVIEW
Well yesterday afternoon I was able to catch the most anticipated movie of my lifetime, Rocky Balboa. I was unfortunately unable to see it opening night because I was on the road in the boonies of some random midwestern state.
I decided that yesterday would be the day to see it, so I fought my way through rain and traffic, taking 30 minutes to make what Google said would be a 10 minute drive. When I arrived it was 4:43, and with the movie slated to start at 4:40 I was bit angry. I found myself running through the parking lot of the theater, with "Gonna Fly Now" uncontrollably playing in my head. I wish I was making this stuff up. If only there was a staircase I had to climb.
I got my ticket and made it inside, thankfully to find that previews were still going and that there were plenty of open seats. There were a lot of older people there, which didn't really surprise me because a) this town is filled with old people, and b) many of these people probably grew up with Rocky in the 70's and 80's and thus were as excited as I to catch this final installment. I, however, had never been able to see a Rocky movie on the big screen. Rocky IV came out the year that I was born, and Rocky V when I was only five. That was part of the reason that I was so excited to catch this.
I am going to try and review this with as little spoilers as possible, in hopes to encourage people to still go and see it. I sure would love for this movie to do well.
I haven't read many professional reviews of Rocky Balboa, but I'm sure it's getting its fair share of mixed ones. I've heard many people laugh and say, "oh boy he's making another one?" or "what is this, Rocky 24?" While their sentiments are semi understandable, these people have probably never seen Rocky V. While many, including myself, will pretend that this movie didn't happen, it's hard to hide from the fact that this horror was the worst way to end the amazing franchise. Fortunately, Sylvester Stallone felt the same way.
After seeing Rocky Balboa, I can say that it was the perfect way to end the franchise. I was happy to be able to go alone, so that I could appreciate everything privately and not have to deal with other people. The theater I went to wasn't the best. There were some kids above me in the back who were talking and commenting the whole time, and someone in my row probably hadn't showered in a bit, but other than that it was pretty fun. The place wasn't packed, probably because I caught such an early show, but the people were a little lively. I remember one of my teachers telling me that when he saw the original Rocky in the movies that people were standing up and cheering during the fight. I wish I could have experienced that.
The movie had a large share of nostalgia, and that was one of it's strong points. It really felt like the final chapter the whole time. Sure, it had its fair share of cheesy lines and painful dialog, but it also had its share of spine shivering scenes and eye watering moments.
Sylvester Stallone did a spot-on job of portraying the character that we haven't seen in 16 years. He was still the same loving, caring, compassionate Rocky who was full of heart and that never-say-die attitude that Americans and people all over the world strive for. In this installment, Rocky wasn't a struggling fighter. He wasn't a scared champion, and he wasn't a patriotic American fighting the Cold War. Rocky Balboa is a man. A man with an inner struggle and with demons to vanquish. In this movie we can really connect with Rocky, and we really feel like we're at the end of a 30 year journey.
I want to say that the movie felt a little short and rushed, but I heard that the studio was never totally thrilled with the idea so they probably wouldn't let Stallone do all that he really wanted. I hope that when the DVD comes out that there will be plenty of deleted scenes.
The movie had its share of continuity issues; though some, i.e. pretty much pretending that Rocky V doesn't exist, are more good than bad.
If I had to compare Rocky Balboa to another movie of the group, it would be Rocky II. They are similarly paced and timed, and have the same overall feel to it. However, I've always felt that II is one of the weaker movies and Rocky Balboa does not meet it there.
I don't want rank all 6 yet since I have only seen this one once, but it will probably end up 2nd or 3rd, very close to Rocky III. I'll definitely see this again sometime, maybe after I make Ashley watch the other ones.
I decided that yesterday would be the day to see it, so I fought my way through rain and traffic, taking 30 minutes to make what Google said would be a 10 minute drive. When I arrived it was 4:43, and with the movie slated to start at 4:40 I was bit angry. I found myself running through the parking lot of the theater, with "Gonna Fly Now" uncontrollably playing in my head. I wish I was making this stuff up. If only there was a staircase I had to climb.
I got my ticket and made it inside, thankfully to find that previews were still going and that there were plenty of open seats. There were a lot of older people there, which didn't really surprise me because a) this town is filled with old people, and b) many of these people probably grew up with Rocky in the 70's and 80's and thus were as excited as I to catch this final installment. I, however, had never been able to see a Rocky movie on the big screen. Rocky IV came out the year that I was born, and Rocky V when I was only five. That was part of the reason that I was so excited to catch this.
I am going to try and review this with as little spoilers as possible, in hopes to encourage people to still go and see it. I sure would love for this movie to do well.
I haven't read many professional reviews of Rocky Balboa, but I'm sure it's getting its fair share of mixed ones. I've heard many people laugh and say, "oh boy he's making another one?" or "what is this, Rocky 24?" While their sentiments are semi understandable, these people have probably never seen Rocky V. While many, including myself, will pretend that this movie didn't happen, it's hard to hide from the fact that this horror was the worst way to end the amazing franchise. Fortunately, Sylvester Stallone felt the same way.
After seeing Rocky Balboa, I can say that it was the perfect way to end the franchise. I was happy to be able to go alone, so that I could appreciate everything privately and not have to deal with other people. The theater I went to wasn't the best. There were some kids above me in the back who were talking and commenting the whole time, and someone in my row probably hadn't showered in a bit, but other than that it was pretty fun. The place wasn't packed, probably because I caught such an early show, but the people were a little lively. I remember one of my teachers telling me that when he saw the original Rocky in the movies that people were standing up and cheering during the fight. I wish I could have experienced that.
The movie had a large share of nostalgia, and that was one of it's strong points. It really felt like the final chapter the whole time. Sure, it had its fair share of cheesy lines and painful dialog, but it also had its share of spine shivering scenes and eye watering moments.
Sylvester Stallone did a spot-on job of portraying the character that we haven't seen in 16 years. He was still the same loving, caring, compassionate Rocky who was full of heart and that never-say-die attitude that Americans and people all over the world strive for. In this installment, Rocky wasn't a struggling fighter. He wasn't a scared champion, and he wasn't a patriotic American fighting the Cold War. Rocky Balboa is a man. A man with an inner struggle and with demons to vanquish. In this movie we can really connect with Rocky, and we really feel like we're at the end of a 30 year journey.
I want to say that the movie felt a little short and rushed, but I heard that the studio was never totally thrilled with the idea so they probably wouldn't let Stallone do all that he really wanted. I hope that when the DVD comes out that there will be plenty of deleted scenes.
The movie had its share of continuity issues; though some, i.e. pretty much pretending that Rocky V doesn't exist, are more good than bad.
If I had to compare Rocky Balboa to another movie of the group, it would be Rocky II. They are similarly paced and timed, and have the same overall feel to it. However, I've always felt that II is one of the weaker movies and Rocky Balboa does not meet it there.
I don't want rank all 6 yet since I have only seen this one once, but it will probably end up 2nd or 3rd, very close to Rocky III. I'll definitely see this again sometime, maybe after I make Ashley watch the other ones.