Page 1 of Rocky Balboa - VERY Good Indeed (may contain minor spoilers)

Watched it today, with somewhat hopeful expectations. Total Film had given it 4 stars out of 5, so I had an idea it was going to be pretty good, but I have to say its easily up their with the first in terms of generally being a great movie. Whereas many of the sequels used the lead up to the final fight as just that, this film had more going on in it, with Rocky`s final (and only) matchup against the young champ being almost unimportant.

I don`t mean that in terms of how important it is to the characters, but in that as a viewer I`d already seen a tremendous Rocky film, which is probably way better than it has any right to be. Stallone, in his acting, directing and writing is on really top form. He`s had so many low points in terms of some of the duds he`s appeared in (and written), but you really could not see anyone writing a better Rocky script, because Stallone IS Rocky. He really was the underdog when making this film, and its great to see that it has come out the way it has.

I`m not the biggest Rocky fan, I mean they are all relatively enjoyable films (and I do own the DVDs), but I`m not mad for the series. But I enjoyed this immensely, and the hairs really stand on end when you hear THAT theme, and see THAT montage. The end fight itself, has a televisual style to it, and less the filmic look of the other films. Its not a bad thing, but it did almost remind me of The Contender. Saying that the fight itself, and the editing (including Sin City style colour stained b&w shots) is generally great overall. This is a fitting finale to the films, nicely bookending them with a great start and equally good finish.

In many ways the formula is more or less the same, but even so it still feels fresh. I wouldn`t be suprised to see the film and/or Sly, picking up an Oscar...

How did you see it Ben? (not fair!!)

I must say I`m really looking forward to it - even more so now.... :)

ROCKY! ROCKY! ROCKY!

Quote:
How did you see it Ben? (not fair!!)lol..................................Hmm, let me think...

Ste

Lol - I thought Ben might have a contact or something...

I`ve seen a few around the *usual* places, but I`m holding off to see it at the cinema - I`m going with my mom... we`ve seen all the Rocky movies together..(she loves them!). :x

Well lets just say its Oscar season, so DVD Screeners are aplenty. And this WAS DVD quality, not a cheap cinema knock off.

Quote:
Well lets just say its Oscar season, so DVD Screeners are aplenty. And this WAS DVD quality

I would have to agree with you Ben, I watched it last night.



(A.C.C founder)
Anti.Clown.Coalition

Well this comes out in January according to the HUGE banner in my local cinema (I thought it was February, so a nice surprise). It`s good to hear so many positive things, and I`m hoping it`s not just because everyone was expecting it to be crap.

I love the first four Rocky films (there is a rumour of a 5th supposedly made in 1990, but I deny all knowledge of that ;) ). For me they`re great spiritual films sending all the right messages to youngsters and grown-ups alike (apart from maybe how to treat women :p ). Whenever I feel lazy but know deep down I need to go out for a long run, I just stick one of the training montages on and it gets the adrenaline going.

I`m not gonna download it because to me this is worth waiting for in the cinema, and if it really is as good as everyone is saying then I can`t wait :D

i`ll be catching up with this soon too.
can`t wait to see how it turns out - esp as from the trailer his physique looks amazing. but he has the face of an old old man.



Myspace Funky Film Company

Quote:
his physique looks amazing. but he has the face of an old old man.From watching the film, I actualy felt that his body was the bit that showed his age. For a man his age, he looked great, but his body has that slight sag that elderly people he get. I mean he is 60 after all.

With all the hype (good for the most part) does anyone smell "sequel"?

:-)