When he loses a highly publicized virtual boxing match to ex-champ Rocky Balboa, reigning heavyweight titleholder, Mason Dixon retaliates by challenging Rocky to a nationally televised, 10-round exhibition bout. To the surprise of his son and friends, Rocky agrees to come out of retirement and face an opponent who's faster, stronger and thirty years his junior.
What gives Rocky Balboa its unexpected pathos is the titanic humility of Stallone's performance, the earnestness with which he plays a man knocked down (but not out) by the ravages of time.
– Scott Foundas,
L.A. Weekly,
22 Dec 2006
rotten:
When asked why he would step back into the ring, even though he's out of shape and in his late 50s, the Italian Stallion mumbles something about "the stuff... inside," which sums up the thin justification for Rocky Balboa.
– Scott Tobias,
AV Club,
28 Dec 2006
rotten:
Even goodwill can't make this look like anything more than a glorified TV special. Surely it's time for the audience to throw in the towel?
– Trevor Johnston,
Time Out,
16 Jan 2007
rotten:
The ol' lug can't be blamed for wanting one last victory lap, but if you've got nothing to offer except benign nostalgia, just let the gloves stay on the glory-days shelf.
– David Fear,
Time Out New York,
3 Feb 2007
fresh:
I know, I know, you're thinking, oh please, not Rocky again. I was thinking that too.