Rocky Balboa: The Official Release Thread

[Dead of Knight]

Since I'm in Guam, I'm probably going to be seeing it earlier than any of you. I will probably be going at 7:25 PM our time, which is 4:25 AM EST. We are 15 hours ahead of EST. :D Surely someone else on this forum wants to see this.

EDIT: 76% on Rottentomatoes: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/rocky_balboa/

[Paco]

DAMN YOU SCUBA STEVE. I want to see the damn movie.

[CAG 79]

I'll probably catch it the day after Christmas.

[pinoy530]

Anyone else going through their Rocky Anthology first? I've finished 1-3 so far. 2 more to watch before I go on sat.

[Kendro]

Anyone else get freaked the fuck out that Sylvester Stallone is 60 years old? It's such a weird feeling. I'm only in my mid-twenties but I grew up watching this guy as an iconic action star and am finding it really hard to swallow that he's 60 and pretty much a grandpa. Guess that means we're all getting a bit older. Can't wait to see the movie though.

[ITDEFX]

the reviews so far say its a good movie. Too bad no midnight showing tonight. :(

Oh well I will see it some other day...still gotta see Charlottes web, ITPOH and another movie that escapes me atm.

[Dead of Knight]

Well, I'm back from seeing it. It was epic. I'll refrain from talking about it further until later when some other people on this board have seen it.

[A Happy Panda]

Anyone else get freaked the fuck out that Sylvester Stallone is 60 years old? It's such a weird feeling. I'm only in my mid-twenties but I grew up watching this guy as an iconic action star and am finding it really hard to swallow that he's 60 and pretty much a grandpa. Guess that means we're all getting a bit older. Can't wait to see the movie though.

Well not only is he fucking 60...he's still fucking jacked.

[seanr1221]

If you live in or around Philly like me, you HAVE to see this :p

[guyver2077]

im going to see this tonight!!!!!

was there a special midnight screening or something?

anyways im going to try to avoid this thread in case some ass hat decides to spoil it...

[KaneRobot]

Since I'm in Guam, I'm probably going to be seeing it earlier than any of you.

I saw it on November 30th at a charity benefit for Kronk Gym (pic here (http://mywebpages.comcast.net/thekanerobot/misc/rbscreening07.jpg)), but you can be #2 :lol: . And I'm damn shocked that I was not the one to make this thread.

Not only was the movie far better than expected, it was really good. I'm going to see it again tonight since it's out in theaters. FAN-fucking-TASTIC ending to the fight, ended exactly like it should. I love how...

they have Dixon break his hand during the fight

...to make it more plausible that Rocky could hang in there with a much younger fighter. Speaking of which, the boxing, while still entrenched in "fantasy," looked the best it ever has. The big haymakers were still in there, but the quick little exchanges looke a lot more realistic.

Paulie is awesome. The most bitter guy in the world and has all of the best lines.

Anyone else going through their Rocky Anthology first? I've finished 1-3 so far. 2 more to watch before I go on sat.
Yeah, I went through it before I saw it a few weeks back. It was still strange to me for the first few minutes of this new film since it's hard to comprehend these characters doing something new after all this time.

[mykevermin]

Anyone else get freaked the fuck out that Sylvester Stallone is 60 years old? It's such a weird feeling. I'm only in my mid-twenties but I grew up watching this guy as an iconic action star and am finding it really hard to swallow that he's 60 and pretty much a grandpa. Guess that means we're all getting a bit older. Can't wait to see the movie though.

That doesn't bother me at all; it's woven into the storyline, so it's not as if they're denying his age. However, before I see this, I have to be assured Rocky dies in this movie, like Stallone wanted him to do in Rocky V.

I'm also *blownthefuckaway* that there's a Hollywood writer DUMB ENOUGH to think it was a good idea to name a black male lead "Mason Dixon." That has to be the most uncreative character name I've ever heard in my life, and what is probably the most racist a name can be without prompting national outrage over it (since I've not met anyone else who thinks it's offensive and/or just fucking stupid).

[KaneRobot]

That has to be the most uncreative character name I've ever heard in my life

Tommy Gunn. Clubber Lang.

This is par the course, as far as I'm concerned. I like how these films are able to take a realistic element and comic book-ish element and somehow make it believeable. Most of the time, anyway.



And as far as dying...

hell no, he doesn't die. As weak as Rocky V was, I can't imagine how awful it would have been if they ended that stinker with his DEATH. It's a fun "what could have been" thing to read about in Gene Siskel's column, but that's where it stops.

The ending is great. It's not necessarily unexpected, but it's still the way it should end.

[KaneRobot]

Just saw it again with a really excited crowd, it was awesome. Two people were even dressed up in the gray sweatshirt/pants. I almost wish I had gone to the final showing (which had a ton of people lined up) rather than the 8:00 one.

This movie is meant to be seen with fans...seeing it in like 3 weeks when there are 13 people in the theater for the Friday night showing isn't going to be the same experience.

[Reality's Fringe]

Just saw it, and it's damn good. It's got plenty of cheese, but it's a Rocky movie. Stallone still has the ability to get you pumped for Rocky when he gets into the ring; It's been a while since I rooted for a fictional character. I also enjoyed the conventional wisdom of Rocky, and the concept of forging ahead. I won't say anymore because I don't want to spoil anything.

Thumbs up.

[Mr. Anderson]

I'm super excited for it, gonna try to catch it tommorow or friday. Can't wait!

[mykevermin]

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6650919

A fascinating story about how they're trying to promote Rocky Balboa through evangelical christian groups; the marketing organization behind the movie even has promotional materials, videos, and sermon suggestions including the story of Rocky.

[Brak]

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6650919

A fascinating story about how they're trying to promote Rocky Balboa through evangelical christian groups; the marketing organization behind the movie even has promotional materials, videos, and sermon suggestions including the story of Rocky.
The Conservatives did that with Fantastic Four and The Island.

[guyver2077]

just saw it... pretty decent..

anyone not like the ending?

[Arakias]

I really enjoyed it, true to the Rocky heart all the way through. If you've seen the first 2 you should see this, if you've seen all 5 before, why wouldnt you see this.

[CaseyRyback]

just saw it... pretty decent..

anyone not like the ending?

Decent? You mark out for everything and not for this movie?


I saw it and thought it was pretty good. I would have liked for the son's character to be fleshed out more, but I thought it did a decent enough job of providing closure. There was also enough humor to not make the movie overly dramatic.

Seeing Iron Mike jawing with Tarver was really cool.

[I AM WILLIAM H. MACY]

just saw it... pretty decent..

anyone not like the ending?
I thought it didn't really feel true, it felt more like it was leaving it open for another sequel in case this one hits big

If this was truly the last one, they should have killed off the character

[Dead of Knight]

All the people who say Rocky should have died need to go fuck themselves. Would that really have been satisfying to people who have been following this series for much of their lives? I for one was fairly satisfied with the ending. I think it could have been better done, but the whole moral was that even though he technically didn't win the match, he was a winner anyway for stepping up for one more go-around and still kicking ass. This stayed true with the series' message, particularly the first movie. The whole legacy of the series' message of the underdog and doing what you think is right would have been fucked over if he died.

Also you know there's no way in fuck they're making another one. Sly isn't a fucking moron.

[guyver2077]

Decent? You mark out for everything and not for this movie?


I saw it and thought it was pretty good. I would have liked for the son's character to be fleshed out more, but I thought it did a decent enough job of providing closure. There was also enough humor to not make the movie overly dramatic.

Seeing Iron Mike jawing with Tarver was really cool.

wrestling and movies are two completely different things.. and again just cuz i may type omg whoever doesnt mean im going wild in front of my tv and throwing everything (ofcourse unless its goldberg making a comeback)

im a huge rocky fan.. sure this movie took me back..the humor was pretty good too and i like the connection with the other movies..

i guess i just thought it should have ended a lil diffrent

mike tyson was fucking bad ass.. that was awesome!!!

would it have been better if it maybe was a draw? anyways i think the problem was that when the fight ended they played the traditional rocky end song but it just didnt feel like an ending to a match..

i thought tarver did a good job too.. and it looked like an authentic hbo fight..

[KaneRobot]

As much as I liked it, know what sucks about the Tyson cameo? That part was originally for Clubber Lang, which would have been 50 kinds of awesome. Mr. T was busy with a reality show or something and couldn't make it I guess.

The movie ended the way it should have. No complaints here.

He walked out early because he knew lost and he accomplished what he wanted and he was happy that he could finally put everything behind him. He wasn't a dick about it and congratulated the champion. It's a perfect bookend for the ending of the first film.

Hell no they are not doing another one. This was the goodbye he wanted for the character.

[guyver2077]

As much as I liked it, know what sucks about the Tyson cameo? That part was originally for Clubber Lang, which would have been 50 kinds of awesome. Mr. T was busy with a reality show or something and couldn't make it I guess.

The movie ended the way it should have. No complaints here.

Hell no they are not doing another one. This was the goodbye he wanted for the character.

man that would of been awesome.. if they could get clubber and drago in the crowd...

anyone else thought spider rico was funny

how many of these ppl were original actors from the originals? besides polly and duke..

i would have to get this for fucking blueray since mgm aint on board on hd dvd yet

i hope the release will have alot of extra scenes.. like i want to see how he aproached duke..etc

[KaneRobot]

how many of these ppl were original actors from the originals? besides polly and duke..

Spider was the same guy.

What's strange is, they had Marie appear in Rocky V, played by the same actress as the girl who played her in Rocky (in the new movie it's a different actress). The scene was left on the cutting room floor for some reason.

VERY different from what she wound up as in Rocky Balboa. In the Rocky V scene she's seemingly a whore just like Rocky said she would turn into. The scene even ends with her saying "screw you" again. It's dark as hell and it's almost creepy.

You can see a few seconds of it here. I'd love to see it when they milk us again for the next box set.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=reLva_3zJHg

[sonicbooom]

I want to see this too. Lots of movies I need to watch..

[CaseyRyback]

As much as I liked it, know what sucks about the Tyson cameo? That part was originally for Clubber Lang, which would have been 50 kinds of awesome. Mr. T was busy with a reality show or something and couldn't make it I guess.

The movie ended the way it should have. No complaints here.

He walked out early because he knew lost and he accomplished what he wanted and he was happy that he could finally put everything behind him. He wasn't a dick about it and congratulated the champion. It's a perfect bookend for the ending of the first film.

Hell no they are not doing another one. This was the goodbye he wanted for the character.

Damn that sucks. I would have loved to see him say dead meat to Tarver. That would have made the movie IMO.

[tehweezner]

pretty damn good imo. good writing and directing by stallone. i think they could have fleshed out the ending a tad more. i think another monologue would have fit well after the fight is over and it ends at the graveyard. a longer training montage would have been nice. also, some of the boxing action was a little too unbelievable, when they're just trading blows like crazy :roll:

[Grave_Addiction]

Since I'm in Guam, I'm probably going to be seeing it earlier than any of you. I will probably be going at 7:25 PM our time, which is 4:25 AM EST. We are 15 hours ahead of EST. :D Surely someone else on this forum wants to see this.

EDIT: 76% on Rottentomatoes: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/rocky_balboa/

Unfortunately, most of the time, we get our movies later than those in the States, even though we're ahead. Kinda blows.

[Dead of Knight]

Unfortunately, most of the time, we get our movies later than those in the States, even though we're ahead. Kinda blows.

Eh, with the more popular movies, it seems like Guam gets them on time. Though my boyfriend mentioned that Flushed Away took a week or so to get here.

It's obviously to curb recording of the movies.

[guyver2077]

one spot that i though was awesome was when tarver came out at the end.. that song he came out to is fucking raw.... set the mood

[Kendro]

Just saw it and loved it. Mason Dixon is a pretty weak character though, Clubber Lang and Drago would have raped him in the ring.

And I agree with the poster who said it was a great idea that Mason broke his hand. It makes it that much more believable. I know all of us Rocky fans want to believe he could still take him but it ain't happening. That's like a 60 year old man vs. Mike Tyson or Ali in their prime.

[A Happy Panda]

As much as I liked it, know what sucks about the Tyson cameo? That part was originally for Clubber Lang, which would have been 50 kinds of awesome. Mr. T was busy with a reality show or something and couldn't make it I guess.

The movie ended the way it should have. No complaints here.

He walked out early because he knew lost and he accomplished what he wanted and he was happy that he could finally put everything behind him. He wasn't a dick about it and congratulated the champion. It's a perfect bookend for the ending of the first film.

Hell no they are not doing another one. This was the goodbye he wanted for the character.

OMG. If Mr. T was there, man. That would've made the film THAT much more enjoyable.

I enjoyed the movie, probably a 7/10. Better than I expected. I like the way Stallone kept to the Rocky formula. It definitely had the old Rocky movie "feel" and I liked that alot. I wish they had more build-up to the fight however.

It was like, Rocky agreed to fight, then a short training montage, then the fight. I was disappointed because I wanted to feel excitement and anticipation for the fight, but it just wasn't really there.

[guyver2077]

i thought mason dixon was not bad.. and again his entrance was bad ass... ive been listening to that song over n over

[Swift900]

I saw movie opening day and thoroughly enjoyed it. I appreciated the flash backs and, even more so, the subtle references to people and events from previous films in the series.

This is what V should have been.

[KaneRobot]

I saw movie opening day and thoroughly enjoyed it. I appreciated the flash backs and, even more so, the subtle references to people and events from previous films in the series.

This is what V should have been.

Seeing Cuff and Link again ruled.

[projecteightysix]

I loved the first couple movies, and I could tell they were trying to get the feel of the originals with this one, but I couldn't care about the slight "love interest". A lot of the main story was very dull and most of the characters were unlikeable. The first movie was intense, like I got really into him building up to the fight, there was a purpose and excitement to it. But this one kind of drug along, nothing to be pumped about. They didn't really pay much attention to him training, just a lot of story then 15 minutes of training and the fight.

Also, I guess I'm being too picky, or maybe it was just the theater I was in. I would've really helped if they remastered/remixed the music. It was very tinny and pretty much didn't have any bass. Now I'm glad they didn't have the stinkin' rap remix of eye of the tiger (thank God), but I think it would've helped a little.


I would say this movie is OK, but just more of the same.

[KaneRobot]

but I couldn't care about the slight "love interest"

I think several people are misreading that when they see the movie. Rocky doesn't want to get in her pants, he's just a nice guy.


Sure, that's more ridiculous than Rocky owning a sexed-up talkin' robot, but I guess that's why it's a movie.

[Sarang01]

Nice to hear a pleasant surprise about a franchise revived, even if for one more go. We all know part of the reason the company wanted this revived was to avoid going into their grab bag and create a wholly original idea or something close to it. I will conclude that if you do something do it right and it sounds like Sly made sure of that so big ups to him.
Speaking of a potentially shitty Hollywood revivals let's hope Indy 4 never sees the light of day.

[Mysticheat]

best movie of '06

[projecteightysix]

best movie of '06
I'm hoping you haven't watched a lot of movies in '06 to judge this, because there have been so much better that have come out

The Departed comes to mind as well as a few others.

[KaneRobot]

I'm hoping you haven't watched a lot of movies in '06 to judge this, because there have been so much better that have come out

The Departed comes to mind as well as a few others.

Nope. Rocky was better.

[guyver2077]

i cant believe this thread is as small as it is...

i figured this would be one of the most waited movies ever..

i hope it did good at the box office

crap totals from dec 22-24

http://movies.yahoo.com/mv/boxoffice/;_ylt=AjOne4EIQsuEWP6ipPRZiG1fVXcA


that sucks ass man.. movie has only made 22 mil to date...

wtf

[Mysticheat]

I'm hoping you haven't watched a lot of movies in '06 to judge this, because there have been so much better that have come out

The Departed comes to mind as well as a few others.

Never seen The Departed so i can't compare. My statement stands.

[Mr. Anderson]

Went to see it on Thursday and thought it was pretty solid. Better pacing would have helped, but it's a much better end to the series than Rocky V.

[Sarang01]

I'm hoping you haven't watched a lot of movies in '06 to judge this, because there have been so much better that have come out

The Departed comes to mind as well as a few others.

Remake ftl! Go watch "Infernal Affairs".

[A Happy Panda]

Remake ftl! Go watch "Infernal Affairs".

Yeah. I thought the original was a better movie, but Departed was still one of the best of the year.

To whoever said this was the best movie of the year, have you seen any of the following:?

Thank You For Smoking (probably my favorite of the year)
Little Miss Sunshine (3rd of the year probably)
Stranger than Fiction (2nd favorite of the year)
V for Vendetta (not a movie of the year candidate, but better than Rocky)
Casino Royale (not really one of the "best" movies, but certainly a very entertaining fresh take at Bond)
Letters from Iwo Jima
The Descent

I'm not trying to criticize you, I'm just trying to gauge how many movies you've seen this year. I can see how Rocky can be one of the better films of 2006, which admittedly was an extremely weak year for movies, but the best? Not even.

[Mr. Anderson]

The Descent gets my vote for movie of the year.

[Jack7Of7Spades7]

I planning on watching 1-5 then seeing it. I like that the dude who plays Rocky's son or whatever is also in Heroes, my favorite tv show.

[ITDEFX]

I saw this movie today... wow it was really a great movie. It was truely a well deserved ending to the Rocky Saga. The story was well written and had character. It respected his dead wife without taking the relationship with that other girl too far. I wonder why Paulie got fired/laid off? That was kinda odd. Sequel? Nah doesn't need it. Like I said before it was the well deserved ending to the saga. Let it go. He leaves a peoples champion in our hearts.

[Dead of Knight]

I wonder why Paulie got fired/laid off? That was kinda odd.

My guess is just because he's fucking old.

[Gustav Holst]

They had all 5 in HD on Demand, SO I watched ALL FIVE in one night, the day before the release.

[ITDEFX]

My guess is just because he's fucking old.


DOWNSIZING IN A MEAT PLANT?

[anomynous]

Yeah. I thought the original was a better movie, but Departed was still one of the best of the year.

To whoever said this was the best movie of the year, have you seen any of the following:?


V for Vendetta (not a movie of the year candidate, but better than Rocky)

V for Vendetta sucked

[guyver2077]

V for Vendetta sucked

blasphemy

[Dead of Knight]

V for Vendetta sucked

WTF?

[Dead of Knight]

According to boxofficemojo.com, Rocky Balboa's made more than double the production budget already. $48mil made, $24 to make. On the other hand, films like Eragon, Blood Diamond, The Holiday, and Charlotte's Web have barely made back half the budget or even less than half. I'd consider it to be a pretty big success for Stallone and MGM.

[Roufuss]

According to boxofficemojo.com, Rocky Balboa's made more than double the production budget already. $48mil made, $24 to make. On the other hand, films like Eragon, Blood Diamond, The Holiday, and Charlotte's Web have barely made back half the budget or even less than half. I'd consider it to be a pretty big success for Stallone and MGM.

Espcially since they dragged their feet for-fucking-ever in getting this movie made and put out.

[doctorfaustus]

Just saw this a couple of days ago.
My thoughts:

A great finale to the Rocky Series and better than 3-5.
Stallone has some great moments in the film as does Burt Young.
The pacing feels good and the movie never seems to drag.
Awesome!

[ITDEFX]

Just saw this a couple of days ago.
My thoughts:

A great finale to the Rocky Series and better than 3-5.
Stallone has some great moments in the film as does Burt Young.
The pacing feels good and the movie never seems to drag.
Awesome!


couldn't agree more... this defenitly the movie of 2006!

too bad we never knew what happened to Tommy Gun, or his asshole manager who said he would sue if Rocky hit him in part 5.

[Paco]

couldn't agree more... this defenitly the movie of 2006!

too bad we never knew what happened to Tommy Gun, or his asshole manager who said he would sue if Rocky hit him in part 5.

Tommy Gunn is living in a trailer park with some white girl named Ruth.

[doctorfaustus]

Tommy Gunn is living in a trailer park with some white girl named Ruth.
What's your source on that?

on topic: Did anyone else almost get teary-eyed at certain scenes?

[Paco]

What's your source on that?

on topic: Did anyone else almost get teary-eyed at certain scenes?

I'm just pulling that out of my ass. Much like how Oprah pulls statistics out of her ass.

[ITDEFX]

What's your source on that?

on topic: Did anyone else almost get teary-eyed at certain scenes?


yea... actually when those bastards in the bar started asking him to buy another round and then giving him a hard time about it, he later comes back and throws the guy against the building and made him say sorry to the lady friend :) Priceless!

Guess the Gym thing in part 5 didn't do so well.

I'm glad it was a nice closure. Too bad about Rocky's wife.

[doctorfaustus]

Too bad about Rocky's wife.

Rocky: "... Women's Cancer"

[ITDEFX]

Rocky: "... Women's Cancer"

was there an official reason why the actress didn't come back for this one?

[Paco]

Wasn't it Sly himself that wrote Adrienne out of the storyline and then the actress who played her also give Sly some input on how Adrienne should die?

[ITDEFX]

Wasn't it Sly himself that wrote Adrienne out of the storyline and then the actress who played her also give Sly some input on how Adrienne should die?


they must have had a falling out between the two to have him write her out. But atleast he did it in a good way and not say..oh she left me.

[Zen Davis]

There was no falling out.

Stallone felt the story worked better if Rocky's wife had been killed off. In fact, she was the first one Stallone called after he decided that in order to talk to her about it.

[anomynous]

WTF?
it did

[2Fast]

I thoroughly enjoyed the movie. I only wish it had an extra twenty (or more) minutes to flesh out some things like Mason Dixon, Rocky's desire to fight again, more build-up to the fight itself, and then more of the actual fight. Otherwise, I was really impressed by the movie.

[Matt Young]

Saw this yesterday,and I fucking LOVED it.

[Snake2715]

My wife was really into this. I was happy to go the theatre to watch this movie as a lot of fans came out... We watched it opening weekend and I was pleased with it overall for sure.