by Melissa Martin

Created on: January 05, 2007   Last Updated: May 09, 2007

"It's not about how hard you can hit, it's about how hard a hit you can take and keep moving forward." ~ Rocky Balboa from 2006's Rocky Balboa

OH MY GOSH BUT ROCKY BALBOA WAS GREAT!

Ok, first I suppose you need a little background information: Rocky was the first movie I ever saw at the movie theater. I was 5 years old and my Dad took me and my sisters to see it. To this day I remember a completely filled theater and everyone in the audience cheering - actually yelling and clapping at the end of the movie. It was an exhilerating feeling - and that memory is what I attribute to my becoming a huge movie buff!

I introduced my 10 year old daughter to the orignal Rocky via DVD several years ago, and it is hands down one of the best loved, most watched and deeply revered movies in our home. People, it was nominated for 10 academy awards, won three of those - including BEST PICTURE. It was an all American success story about an "everyman" who overcomes his circumstances and wins in the end! The tag line was: "His Whole Life Was a Million-to-One Shot." But he made it and we were all thrilled!

Think it's cheesy? Go rent it and watch it again. Rocky is inspiring and wonderful and it was Sylvester Stallone at his best. Rambo movies may have been his ultimate money maker (I'm not sure), but the Rocky movies are his passion. I am pleased to report that Rocky Balboa was a perfect wrap up to the Rocky series.

So, my daughter's original plan today was to go see Charlotte's Web. But as we were walking through the parking lot towards the theater, outdoor speakers were playing "Fanfare for Rocky" aka The Rocky Theme music. So my daughter was all - "Hey! I hear Rocky!" By the time we made it to the ticket window we both decided that Charlotte's Tangled Web would have to wait so we could see the last chapter of our beloved Rocky movies.

We go inside, sit down and wait for the movie to begin. At lights down, there were only four other people in the theater. My daughter says "Nobody came to see Rocky. We're the real Rocky fans in here." And then in a perfect Philly accent..."Those who don't love 'im, Fuhgetabout 'em!"

In this final installment, there is no more Mickey - he died in Rocky III, and no more Adrian who is dead from cancer, five years gone, when this movie begins. Never fear, we get to see them both in flashbacks. However, Little Marie - who was just a kid in the first movie - and probably not played by the same actress - is all grown up in this movie and it's fun to see their freindship develop (it's platonic people, don't excite yourselves!)

Rocky does do an important exhibition match against 'Mason - The Line - Dixon' (played by Antonio Tarver) at the end of this movie - I won't tell you who wins - and we get to see the training segment (a part of every Rocky movie) set to his theme music. As usual, it gets you all pumped up and ready for the big match.

It's a feel-good, family-friendly movie. And we thoroughly enjoyed it. Plus, it's full of great lines (like the one I used above). Plus, the guy who plays Rocky's now grown up son - OOH La La!

So, after you've rented the other five Rocky movies this week, assuming you need the refreshers that are permanent fixtures in me and my daughter's minds, run out and go see ROCKY BALBOA. I think you'll love it, and Rocky, as much as we do. And if not...

FUHGETABOUTYOU!

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