The only difference was “Yo Adrian!” became “No Adrian!” However, the death of his wife storyline, I think, helped make the Rocky character a little more human.Īs for the supporting performers, it was hard to decipher what kind of challenger Tarver’s Mason Dixon character was to be. It was like stepping back in time and seeing the character for the first time all over again. As for Stallone’s performance as the aging Balboa, he didn’t miss a step. It was as if Stallone, who wrote and directed this film along with the other Rocky films, was able to recreate the greatness of the original Rocky. Shades of the original Rocky movie were definitely apparent as the emotion and intensity, which were in the original, can also be seen in this final chapter. If this is the case, then Stallone ended it wonderfully. It was also a chance to prove to the world that Dixon was no “paper champion.” Rocky accepts the challenge.įinally with his troops together including his former trainer Duke, played by another Rocky alum, Tony Burton, along with his son, Steps and Paulie, Rocky begins his training to turn him into a human hurting machine, but will it be enough for him to go toe to toe with Dixon, or for that matter, survive the ordeal entirely?Īccording to Stallone, “Rocky Balboa” is the closing chapter of the Rocky saga. approached the former champ to be a part of an exhibition bout with his champ. The virtual boxing match got people talking which was why L.C. However, the one person who was most excited about Rocky’s return was Mason’s manager, L.C, played by E! Mysteries and Scandals host, A.J. Rocky befriends both Marie and her son and helps them out by giving them a job at his restaurant. She is now a single mother trying to make ends meet with a teenage boy named Steps, played by James Francis Kelly III. His brother-in-law, Paulie, played Rocky alum actor, Burt Young, also felt it was time for Rocky to stop living in the past and go on with his life now that Adrian was gone.Īlong with the cynicism, there were some who did support Rocky’s decision to fight again such as Marie, played by Geraldine Hughes, an acquaintance from Rocky’s old neighborhood. It is at this point Rocky gives his son the life lecture. Now with his father stepping in the ring once more, he feels he will never truly make it on his own merits. Rocky Jr.’s motives are not for the safety of his 50 something year old father but because he is tired of living under the shadow of his old man. However, when a virtual boxing match appears on ESPN pitting Rocky against the current heavyweight champ, Mason ‘The Line’ Dixon, played by former light heavyweight champion, Antonia Tarver, Rocky feels the need to get back in the ring in order to deal with the beast within him.Īfter being approved for a boxing license, Rocky’s return to the ring is met with some skepticism including from his own son, portrayed by “Heroes” and “Gilmore Girls” star, Milo Ventimiglia. Losing his wife, Adrian, previously portrayed by Talia Shire, to cancer, Rocky names his establishment after her and tells stories of his glory days to customers. After taking on the likes of Apollo Creed, Clubber Lang, Ivan Drago and Tommy ‘The Machine’ Gunn, Rocky is now a widowed restaurateur. Sylvester Stallone returns as the fighting Philadelphian and former two-time heavyweight champion of the world, Rocky Balboa. The Italian Stallion is back and better than ever. You’re better than that!” Rocky says to his son in “Rocky Balboa.” But you gotta be willing to take the hit, and not pointing fingers saying you ain’t where you are because of him, or her, or anybody. Now, if you know what you’re worth, then go out and get what you’re worth. How much you can take, and keep moving forward. But it ain’t how hard you hit it’s about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. It is a very mean and nasty place and it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. “Let me tell you something you already know.
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