Written by: Samuel K. Sloan (SoSF Managing News Director)
In real life actor Sylvester Stallone is 60-years old, and in this latest ring-romp he looks every bit of it. Stallone once again puts on the gloves (for the final time) to take on yet another young upstart that a computer simulation says the one-time heavyweight champ, now long retired, could take down. Taking a page out of the George Foreman playbook, Rocky, probably the greatest fable underdog story of our time, comes back for another round in the Academy Award-winning franchise.
This time the old-school stalwart comes up against the devastating current heavyweight champion named Mason “The Line” Dixon, deftly played by Antonio Tarver. Despite his weight, out-of-shape status and age, all the odds are with Rocky to be the predicted winner. At first family and friends try to convince the pudgy boxer that he had his day of glory and should just forget about it, but after time Rocky’s fighting spirit even convinces the hardest skeptic that lighting may strike one more time for the Italian Stallion. However, once the old palooka steps back in the ring the reality of his situation slowly starts to creep in.
Say what you will about Stallone, but his Rocky Balboa saga still remains one of the greatest pieces of fantasy today and this final film will only enhance that and bring it finally to its much needed close.
The film co-stars Burt Young (reprising his role as Rocky’s brother in-law), Milo Ventimiglia, Tony Burton returns as Rocky’s trainer Duke, James Francis Kelly III, Antonio Tarver and Geraldine Hughes. Look for a cameo by Mike Tyson as himself in this one.
Rocky Balboa opens in theaters nationwide today. What’s next for the champ? Can you say hamburger grill?
Follow Slice of SciFi!