Rocky Balboa (2006)
Sylvester Stallone is 60 years old. Imagine your grandfather getting into a ring and boxing a 20 year old at his prime. I mean… sure, Stallone is probably in better physique than the average gramp, but… 60! SIX ZERO! That’s not ancient, but it means broken hips if you fall the wrong way, arthritis pain, hemorrhoids, constant peeing in the middle of the night — NOT boxing in a ring with a much younger and fitter man!
Anyway, the latest installment in the franchise, Rocky Balboa, shows us a Rocky over his prime - walking about in the streets of NYC - looking for something to do. He runs a little restaurant, and during off hours, tries to get to know his son a little more. Life isn’t exactly how he wants it ~ his only sweet love is now gone, and he doesn’t really have much to look forward to other than watching his son grow. Basically, Rocky writhe about in pain, and we’re forced to watch him twist and turn until a ridiculous computer simulates a match up of the current WBC holder against Rocky. It sure ruffles Rocky’s feather when he hears one commentator saying Rocky can’t win. So, on to training, and an exhibition match.
All the Rocky films have always been more inspirational than anything. He was and is a man who fall, yet gets up again and again. We want him to get up, and to do something great because the odds are against him. If you’re in a rot and can’t seem to go on cause the fight is too hard… just pop in Rocky and boom - inspiration in 2 hours or less. The latest Rocky Balboa didn’t stray from this principle, and it was what I wanted to get from the movie - I was inspired to do work harder in dental school!