Rocky Balboa, much like the titular character, throws tired punches within the constraints of its clichéd boxing ring. Thirty years since Rocky, the underdog from Philadelphia, graciously climbed into the ring and gave Apollo Creed a run for his money. Then a sequel was commissioned. And another one. And another. Until the negligently produced ‘Rocky V’ was released with its disappointing conclusion, leaving fans…

You know this was the story that SHOULD have been told in Rocky V, or at least this is the kind of story that should have been told. Unfortunately it is a story told sans Talia Shire, who along with Burt Young and Carl Weathers are Rocky staples... of course Creed was dead in the timeline, so his absence is excusable... but we all kind of wanted to see Adrian, and wanted another story that developed her…

**_Rocky as a has-been and, maybe, still-is_** It has been over 20 years since Rocky’s been in the ring. He runs his Italian restaurant in Philadelphia named after his wife while trying to get closer to his distant son, a corporate lawyer, and reacquainting with Marie (the troublesome girl he escorted home in the first movie). When the surprising opportunity arises to return to the limelight, the fading boxer…

Much like the previous two entries, Rocky Balboa has a lot going for it, but is held back in many key areas. The entire process that fuels Rocky to fight again is great. It is incredibly heartbreaking to see Rocky so down in his life, coping with the loss of his wife and his estranged relationship with his son. He is broken and needs an outlet for his pent-up anger and to gain a connection with his past life.…