Rocky Balboa (2006)

I guess we are just throwing out the whole brain damage thing from Rocky 5. After seeing a simulated fight, he wants to prove he still has something left. It’s also a way to get out of the pain of losing Adrian. This was a fun trip down memory lane and it picks up with Rocky at a mostly healthy point in his life. It went back to basics and focused on Rocky’s relationships, particularly with Marie and his own son. It’s crazy how good of a shape Rocky was for being 60 years old. I would not want to be in a fight with him even if you gave me a year to train. It was one last chance to see Rocky and see him go out a happier and better man. The use of realistic commentators and announcers was a nice touch, too. I’m glad this is the definite end of the Rocky-centric movies before properly passing the mantle on to Adonis Creed in "Creed".

Story - 15%

Characters - 16%

Pacing - 16%

Spectacle - 18%

Entertainment - 17%

Total score: 82%

Grade scale:

90%-100% = must watch

80%-89% = solid, but could be better

70%-79% = Not terrible, watch if the characters or story interests you

60%-69% = only watch for completionist reasons

0%-59% = just skip it, I find the positives and they don't exist here