![rocky balboa speech before getting in ring rocky balboa speech before getting in ring](https://i1.wp.com/www.gnrogers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Screen-Shot-2016-03-09-at-4.07.17-PM.png)
- #Rocky balboa speech before getting in ring movie
- #Rocky balboa speech before getting in ring license
In one scene, a cross looms next to Rocky and his son, as they reconcile beside Adrian’s grave. We see this in all the “Rocky” movies, but here it’s more obvious, without being off-putting. Stallone, who recently became a born-again Christian, also brings some nice spiritual overtones to the film. Unfortunately, like Ventimiglia, the Irish Hughes (who does a great Philly accent), doesn’t stand out. He’s both realistic and touching as the aging athlete with more heart than brains, and who tries to romance a childhood friend ( Geraldine Hughes) without letting go of his dead wife (previously played by Talia Shire). “The only respect that matters is self-respect,” says Balboa, in one of the film’s many great lines.Īs writer, director and star, Stallone does a fantastic job on all fronts. It’s about self-respect, second chances and the importance of doing what we love, no matter what the cost. It’s the ultimate Baby Boomer feel-good film, but it’s pretty nice for the rest of us, too.
#Rocky balboa speech before getting in ring movie
Less focused on fulfilling your dreams, this is a movie is about believing in yourself, no matter how old you may be. Rather significantly, this plot doesn’t revolve around the fight, which takes up only the last 30 minutes of the film. Much like Stallone, who at 60, is more fit than one could possibly imagine.
![rocky balboa speech before getting in ring rocky balboa speech before getting in ring](https://i.etsystatic.com/19520159/r/il/2f618c/2364388403/il_fullxfull.2364388403_h2uy.jpg)
Although Tarver’s surly character isn’t particularly appealing, and the real-life boxer can’t act at all, he’s not a straw man – and he sure looks great in the ring. Of course, we’ve still got the skepticism, the training sequences (mercifully shortened), the Rocky music and the “go get ‘em” speeches. It’s much more like the original, with realistic characters and a nuanced plotline. Nevertheless, despite a very slow beginning and a somewhat sluggish pace throughout, I found myself enjoying this sequel to end all “Rocky” sequels (or so insists Stallone). Why not fight Dixon, they say, in an exhibition match in Vegas? Nobody will get hurt, they’ll all make a ton of money and Dixon will finally gain some long-needed popularity – as well as a worthy opponent, which has been the bane of his career. The decision makes headlines, and soon Dixon’s handlers have come a’callin’.
#Rocky balboa speech before getting in ring license
After poignantly arguing his case, however, the committee grants the 50-something boxer his license – against their better judgment. Rocky applies for a boxing license and is promptly rejected. Because he’s still got “some stuff in the basement,” ‘ya know? So when ESPN stages a computer-generated fight between Balboa, as he used to be, and the current heavyweight champ, Mason “The Line” Dixon ( Antonio Tarver) – with Balboa knocking out Dixon, for the win – Rocky starts thinking. His only fun is hanging out with Paulie ( Burt Young), visiting Adrian’s grave and reminiscing about the good old days – which he does far too much of, in Paulie’s mind. ( Milo Ventimiglia), a Wall Street-type yuppie, won’t have much to do with dear old dad.Īs a result, Rocky’s life is rather sad. Having lost all his wealth, he’s back in South Philly, living in a modest home, the owner of a Italian restaurant called “Adrian’s.” Unfortunately, the restaurant’s namesake passed away three years ago, leaving Rocky bereft. And, although you’re probably bracing yourself for another bad sequel, as I was, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at this final episode in this series.Īfter years in the boxing ring, Rocky Balboa ( Sylvester Stallone) has settled down to the simple life. Yo, Adrian! Rocky’s back – although sweet Adrian is gone. Rating: PG (for boxing violence and some language)Īctors: Sylvester Stallone, Burt Young, Antonia Tarver, Geraldine Hughes, Milo Ventimiglia Theatrical Release Date: December 20, 2006