Rocky Balboa

The sixth installment in Sylvester Stallone's long-dormant pugilistic series, which established the modern template for inspiring underdog sports movies before stumbling through increasingly forgettable sequels, will have a certain appeal for baby-boomers, especially since its message is that you can still fulfill your dreams even as you're approaching 60. Written and directed by Stallone, Rocky Balboa opens with the ex-champ grieving over the death of his beloved Adrian, muddling by as the host at a neighborhood restaurant, continuing his love-hate relationship with gruff brother-in-law Paulie (Burt Young), and struggling to maintain contact with his unhappy son. Offered a chance at an exhibition bout against the current champ, Rocky begins to train as strenuously as his arthritis will allow for the big Las Vegas match. Unfortunately, the film just doesn't recapture the zest of the original (granted, it aims more for an autumnal, ruminative vibe—but instead it comes across as slow, sentimental, and self-indulgent), while the big fight montage seems messily choreographed and edited. Yes, Rocky remains a likable lug, but he didn't really need to come out of well-deserved retirement. Optional. [Note: DVD extras include audio commentary by writer-director-star Sylvester Stallone, seven deleted scenes and an alternate ending (23 min.), the 18-minute “making-of” featurette “Skill vs. Will,” featurettes on “Reality in the Ring: Filming the Final Fight” (16 min.) and a “Virtual Champion: Creating the Computer Fight” featurette (5 min.), two minutes of bloopers, and trailers. Bottom line: a solid extras package for a so-so comeback.] (F. Swietek)