 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Rocky Balboa
- Review Date: March 19, 2007
- PG
- Genre: Drama
- 2006
Common Sense Media says
Rocky's back, with new energy -- but same story.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that while this movie is aimed more at adults (particularly longtime Rocky fans) than kids, it's fine for most tweens. The only real concern is the violence; there are several boxing matches, and they get bloody -- especially the final bout between Rocky and Dixon. The fights include aggressive editing and camera movement, as well as both slow- and regular-motion images of hits, injuries, and spurting blood. Rocky grieves his beloved Adrian's death and deals with his son's resentment (they argue a couple of times). Paulie smokes cigars in nearly every scene, drinks frequently, and is visibly drunk in a couple of scenes. Mild language ("hell" and "damn"), with Paulie making a derogatory "Indian" joke during one of his inebriated scenes.
What's the story?
Inspired once again by the memory of his beloved Adrian, 60-year-old Rocky Balboa comes out of retirement to fight the current world champion, an arrogant kid called Mason "The Line" Dixon (Antonio Carver), who embodies a business that's notoriously corrupt and dulled by mediocre talents. In other words, the time is right for Rocky's comeback -- he's positioned as the "authentic" fighter, compared to Dixon's commercial product. Though he's initially discouraged by his grumpy brother-in-law, Paulie (Burt Young), and resentful son, Rocky Jr. (Milo Ventimiglia), Rocky accepts Dixon's challenge. Believing that he still has "something in the basement," Rocky begins training for an exhibition match in Vegas. He's encouraged by local bartender and single mom Marie (Geraldine Hughes), who suffers emotional abuse from her boyfriend (whom Rocky quickly scares off). With family and new friends assembled, Rocky goes into familiar, montage-y training mode, jogging in the streets, drinking raw eggs, and performing extremely athletic push-ups (not to mention revealing a frankly stunning physique).
Is it any good?
While ROCKY BALBOA is corny and predictable (following the same basic plotline as the others), it also offers an intelligent assessment of what makes Rocky so compelling. While Stallone has famously tried to break free of Rocky, with this movie he seems to grapple earnestly with the dilemma that the character presents. It's not a great film, but it is an intelligent, insightful movie about greatness.
The film actually references a controversial statue commissioned by Stallone for Rocky III, which was briefly installed atop the Art Museum steps, derided by many as a "movie prop" and eventually removed to the Wachovia Spectrum. The statue, like the reenactments by fans that close Rocky Balboa, speaks to Rocky Balboa's enduring appeal -- his awkwardness and banality, as well as his timelessness.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the film's resurrection of the Rocky mythology: Why is the ongoing story of a "regular" guy's success so enduring? Did the franchise need a sixth film? How do Rocky's slang and behavior indicate his class? Does that make his success more appealing to a wide audience? How does Adrian serve as inspiration even after her death? How do Rocky's good humor, humility, and determination all contribute to his appeal? Is he still as powerful a character now as he was in the first movie?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
This is a must see...
While I honestly expected another movie of:
Adrian doesn't want him to fight
Rocky wants to fight
Rocky trains but is not committed
Adrian finally supports him
Rocky trains and eventually wins
I was suprised to see the personal spin of his dealing with the death of his spouse. The personal anguish was difficult to watch from such a iconic figure of the silver screen. Yet he still maintains his self respect and dignity.
I am not a true Rocky fan, but after this film, I will miss the character.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
This final chapter in the rocky series is adrenaline pumping knockout. Like all the Rockys this one is about a underdog working his way up and over coming the most impossible odds. Rocky proves that an athletic worrior's strenght isn't how hard he hits, but how hard he can get hit and keep going. I give this movies 5 stars!
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
i cried
well i bleve rocky was a great film an evryone that likes motion and vilonce they should go see this film
enjoy
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
This movie is awesome!
Rocky Balboa is probably more towards adults, but even though when I went into the theater and saw only adults, is was completely appropriate. With Sylvester Stallone coming back from Soy Kids 3-D, kids will recognize him. It's pretty much only the language throughout and the bloody, but brief boxing violence between Balboa and Dixon. If your kids are crying after the movie, during the credits they show people trying to climb the steps that Rocky Balboa tried to climb; some of them funny. It was a great movie, totally underestimated, and a great use of your money and your time.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
IT WAS G0OD
THIS MOVIES WAS AN AWSOME AND REAL ACTION MOVIE..I LOVE IT AND ILL WATCH IT AGAIN..
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Rocky Balboa isn't too memorable, but thanks to the fresh script, it's the best in the series since the original
It was good.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
There was nothing special to it
Even though Rocky Balboa is a story about passion and going for your dreams, it wasn't a very bright movie. The whole screen just seems dark in every scene.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
(Moved)
I think kids should see an awesome movie like this. It gives kids a good message. NEVER GIVE UP. And no one should ever give up.
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Topics: | sports and martial arts, misfits and underdogs |
| Studio: | MGM/UA |
| Director: | Sylvester Stallone |
| Cast: | Burt Young, Milo Ventimiglia, Sylvester Stallone |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 102 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | December 21, 2006 |
| DVD release date: | March 20, 2007 |
| MPAA rating: | PG |
| MPAA explanation: | boxing violence and some language |
Review It
Video review
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already seen it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
