A Lasting Goodbye

Rating: 6/10 (17 February 2016)

I think if you are a fan of the Rocky films, then you're probably deeply and emotionally connected to Rocky Balboa and his many battles. For those of you who haven't watched any of them, you'll find this movie still has a lot to offer.
Sylvester Stallone returns for his final portrayal of Rocky Balboa, but this time a 69 year old restaurateur and a notable face still residing in Philly. Admired by many and respected by the residents of his home town, you meet him at the twilight of his life, working by day and still semiretired. He no longer wears the gloves but has surrounded himself with the memorabilia and photographs of his time in the ring. Enter Michael B. Johnson as Adonis Creed, son of Apollo Creed; a formal rival and friend of Rocky's who had passed away due to his numerous head injuries in the ring. Adonis has a chip on his shoulder, from a youth spent abandoned and forgotten by family. He picks up his father's career, despite his distaste for his dad yet more out of a deep and seeded need to prove his worth in the ring, if only to himself.
I wasn't particularly impressed by the Adonis character to be honest, he seemed to lack any real conflict besides being really upset about his father, and as a talented fighter to begin with I didn't feel like he particularly had much to improve on. He is raised in a wealthy family, has a natural gift for fighting, and didn't really seem to change as a person throughout the film. I guess I missed the classic fitness montage that Rocky was all about in previous films as well.
On the other hand, I was touched by the depth of character Stallone brought into this film. After a lifetime of forging a career as an action superstar, I never really considered him anything but. Yet for the first time I really saw his personality shine through his character and portrayal of a man past his prime and moving on into old age (aptly; not dissimilar to his real life). I wasn't really expecting much, and was a bit turned off by the previous film "Rocky Balboa," but this is the film I think they should have made it it's place. It is a perfect swan song to a character that has been on screen for 30 plus years, and inspired a city to build a bronze statue in his name.
Overall, a very good movie. I would say you don't really need to be a fan, nor watch the previous films to enjoy this one.
6/10