This is a very "real" movie. Perhaps because you get the feeling Stallone himself wants to prove himself as a film-maker and storyteller to the world so he won't be remembered just as an action hero. This translates beautifully in the movie, where he doesn't use big-name actors, but uses good actors who fit the rolls very well for this low-key but honest end to the Rocky saga.
Now in his 60's, Rocky is doing well for himself. Still living in the same neighborhood he grew up in, now running a restaurant which he named after his beloved wife Adrian. He has one grown up son who is trying to make it in the world, but is reluctant to see his Dad because he feels everything he's got is due to him having the Balboa name.
In one scene, when Rocky tells his son he's going to step into the ring one last time, his son pleads with him not to and Rocky tells him it's a nasty evil world out there and it will beat you to your knees if you let it, but succeeding is not about how hard you can hit, but how hard you can get hit and still move forward. He delivers these lines with all the emotion they deserve. The supporting cast are rock-solid and believable.
Stallone gets back to his roots one last time and pulls it off superbly.
Now in his 60's, Rocky is doing well for himself. Still living in the same neighborhood he grew up in, now running a restaurant which he named after his beloved wife Adrian. He has one grown up son who is trying to make it in the world, but is reluctant to see his Dad because he feels everything he's got is due to him having the Balboa name.
In one scene, when Rocky tells his son he's going to step into the ring one last time, his son pleads with him not to and Rocky tells him it's a nasty evil world out there and it will beat you to your knees if you let it, but succeeding is not about how hard you can hit, but how hard you can get hit and still move forward. He delivers these lines with all the emotion they deserve. The supporting cast are rock-solid and believable.
Stallone gets back to his roots one last time and pulls it off superbly.