Two of the first official reviews for Rocky Balboa have appeared online and what do you know, they both dig the sixth and (hopefully) final installment in the franchise.
Early Reviews: Rocky Balboa
Two reviews have appeared online and both agree that, though the film may not deliver at KO, it does end up winning by unanimous decision by the final round.
THR
First 007 gets back to basics, now, 30 years after the Italian Stallion came out swinging, Sylvester Stallone has returned to Rocky's humble roots with an unplugged edition that emerges as one of this season's more pleasant surprises.
Dispensing with those bloated Roman numerals, "Rocky Balboa" -- for those keeping count, it's the sixth in the series and the first since 1990's winded "Rocky V" -- defies all expectations with a low-key, technically stripped-down production that really does come close to capturing the heart and soul of the original.
Variety
After having seemingly been put out to pasture for good, the Italian Stallion returns after a 16-year hiatus for yet another comeback in "Rocky Balboa." The time away from the ring has done Rocky and the franchise some good, although it takes pic a good long while to gather momentum and clout before a surprisingly satisfying third-act heavyweight bout. Absence has fostered a certain fondness toward Stallone's mythic underdog that will translate into solid if not quite K.O. B.O. through the holidays, with fine vid tourneys to follow in '07.
Check out the full reviews for Rocky Balboa by clicking on the bold links above.
Add to Heffee!
