In desperate need of a hit, it seems that Sylvester Stallone could only turn back to his two best-loved characters - Rambo and Rocky. John Rambo is due to return to the big screen next year, but first up it's the turn of everyone's favourite boxing legend Rocky Balboa.
The good news is that this latest installment - the sixth in the series - is not as embarrassing as some people had feared. The ageing Rocky is now a widower, reliving tales of past glories to patrons in his restaurant, named after his wife Adrian. However, when a virtual boxing match reveals that he would beat current heavyweight champ Mason 'The Line' Dixon, he gets back in the ring one last time.
Yes, it's a tired attempt to kick-start a franchise that had died long before Rocky stepped in the ring with Mr T, and the fight scenes, pardon the pun, lack the same punch, but 'Rocky Balboa' works, mainly because it shamelessly coasts along on nostalgia value. I defy you not to leap to your feet, chanting "Rocky! Rocky!" when THAT music kicks in and the training montage starts...
'Rocky Balboa' will be released on DVD on May 21.
Rocky Balboa
Date: 17/05/2007
DVD Review
