Reviews

WARNING SPOILERS Its been just over 24 hours since I had the privilege of attending the Australian premiere of Rocky Balboa at the open air cinema in Sydney………and I'm still reeling.

Is it the fact that I got to ever so briefly meet Sylvester Stallone, an idol of mine since childhood, that is the reason I'm still buzzing, or is it the fact that his latest offering his by far his best work in years, possibly ever? Perhaps it's a bit of both. But despite the obvious bias created by the crowd, and the creative force behind the movie being in attendance, Rocky Balboa is still a stunning movie.

What Stallone has done so perfectly in this film is capture the essence and the magic of the original character and story that he first did over 30 years ago. The themes that made the first film so special are once again present here; Courage, will, determination, and spirit in the face of insurmountable odds is not a new or novel theme, but is compelling and moving in this film. Added to those themes here is the loss of Rocky's one love and pillar of strength; Adrian, and the emptiness of aging, and being perceived as nothing more than a relic or has been.

Stallone manages for the first time in years to present his story with humility and honesty in his writing and direction, as well as genuine passion and even an off beat humour in his performance. It truly is the best acting of his career together with Copland and of course the first Rocky. One thing is certain. The magic is back.

As mentioned before, it is the brutally honest approach to the story that makes it successful. In contrast to the machine like, cartoonish villains of Rocky III, IV, and V (whom I still love and are brilliant entertainment) Balboa faces two enemies in this film, one is the opponent he actually fights: Mason "the line" Dixon who retains the humanity and vulnerability of Apollo Creed, and the other is life itself; particularly the doubts, weaknesses and disappointments that fill everyday. Where the Rocky story is unique in this film and in the very first is that the overall theme is not victory, but is self efficacy; taking the opportunity to fulfil ones own potential even if the result is a foregone conclusion.

The supporting cast is excellent, particularly Burt Young who shares a great deal of screen time with Stallone and is amazing in all of it. The inevitable training sequence felt short, but was as rousing as ever, almost bringing the crowd into hysterics as he climbed the steps in Philly one last time.

Finally, the fight is presented in true pay per view ESPN style that really manages to capture some of the reality that made Balboa's first battle with Creed so special. The fight itself is possibly the most believable of the whole franchise. The punches aren't supported by gargantuan sound effects, but with the realistic thud of actual body contact, and the choreography to its credit even manages to capture the scrappy realism of actual boxing. At the end of the 2nd round however, Bill Conte's rousing score kicks in, as does some inspired direction from Stallone and the fight is elevated to the battle that every Rocky fan loves to see.

I'm sure I could say more…..but in all honesty I could never say enough. This is the most essential sequel I've ever seen that nobody thought needed to be made. Never again will the sixth instalment of a film franchise come along and almost retain the power of the first. The mere premise of the film seemed laughable, but in his infinite wisdom and intelligence, Stallone turned those doubts and reservations into the core of the movie. In doing so he has once and for all created a fitting ending for a heroic, yet human character that in some way is a part of all of us.