Rocky Balboa ...

Saw it last night and loved it. From the opening bars of the Rocky theme to the final shot after seeing all the random people running up the steps of the Philly Art Museum, it far exceeded my expectations. A much better ending to the series than Rocky V.

One goof up that I noticed: In one of the later scenes at the restaurant, Spider Rico, one of Rocky's former opponents who starts washing dishes at the restaurant, walks past Rocky and says something (I forget exactly what it was). Rocky says, "Thanks, Pedro," which is the name of the actor (Pedro Lovell -- who played Spider Rico in the first movie as well), not the character.

 

I'm assuming Spider was a nickname. Maybe Pedro is just the character's real first name.

 

That's what I chalked it up to initially. I noticed he called him Pedro and thought, "Hm ... so that's Spider's first name." But when I looked up the cast list on IMDB today (I wanted to see if Little Marie was played by the same girl from 1976 -- she wasn't), I saw the actor's name is Pedro Lovell. Since Spider is at no other time referred to as Pedro (at least not that I can remember), I think it's a goof.

 

Damn wish I was that good to catch little things like that, but that was cool that you caught it, still can't wait to see it. And from what I read on here it looks like I will again be glued to the screen, Rocky rocks

 

Cream of the Crop on rottentomatoes is giving it 79% fresh.

That, plus the good reviews from the cynics here - Wow.

I hadn't planned on seeing it, then it was 'catch it on cable,' now I'm draggin' my butt to the theater.

 

Look, the only damn reason this movie is getting good ratings is because people forgot about the first one, which this one is patterned after a great deal. Otherwise, it's simply unrealistic. Stallone isn't in his early 50s like Foreman, and sure as hell ain't in good shape. His corner looked like the geezer patrol. This one left reality well into the movie. At least Rocky I was believable.

 

Since when does a boxer have to appear to be in good shape to be successful.

Remember George Foreman?

 

Hell, Foreman still looked decent compared to Bullboa.

 

The whole series is simply unrealistic. You mean a heavyweight champ is going to give some bum a title bout on the Bicentennial, in his hometown? And that bum can take him the distance?

Given the reactions of myself and others here, I'd say any success this movie has is BECAUSE of the first one. The good will from the first Rocky was large enough to survive four crappy sequels, and Stallone is blatantly trading on it for this one. The thing is, I don't mind.

To get all Rumsfeld-ian: does "Rocky Balboa" push the limits of logic in practically every scene? Why, yes it does. Is "Rocky Balboa" a shameless attempt at emotional button-pushing, particularly the buttons of anyone who liked the first movie? By golly, yes. Is "Rocky Balboa" a barely-disguised cry for help and loved by a washed-up lug who pissed away his fame and fortune through bad movies and even worse personal conduct? Oh my, yes. Does it all still work to create an entertaining and emotional movie? Sure it does!

 

Ive seen thelm all. I got the first one on DVD for Xmas, but I wasnt going to see this one because V was sooooooooooooo bad (except for when he beat Tommy Morrison up in the parking lot). I am very surprised it is getting good reviews. I think I will wait until it hits DVD, though.

 

Stallone ain't in good shape?

I've never seen a 60-year-old look more in shape.

 

Sophia Loren was 60 in "Grumpier Old Men." ;D