Rocky Balboa (2006)

All Critics (174) | Top Critics (36) | Fresh (137) | Rotten (43) | DVD (24)

I know, I know, you're thinking, oh please, not Rocky again. I was thinking that too.

October 18, 2008 Full Review | Comment

Bob Mondello

NPR.org

Top Critic

As usual with Stallone's Rocky sequels, the schmaltz is unbearable, but the fight is plausibly handled, and Stallone's sincere sadness at growing older makes this an unexpectedly satisfying conclusion to the series.

December 20, 2006 Full Review | Comment

J. R. Jones

Chicago Reader

Top Critic

We're only one round into the film and Stallone is already slipping in the old flashbacks.

December 20, 2006 Full Review | Comment

Stephen Whitty

Newark Star-Ledger

Top Critic

Touchingly nostalgic, the sixth chapter in the saga of Sylvester Stallone's eternal underdog packs a far more powerful punch than anyone would have expected.

December 20, 2006 Full Review | Comment (1)

Elizabeth Weitzman

New York Daily News

Top Critic

A sequel that is at once preposterous, unnecessary and weirdly entertaining.

December 20, 2006 Comment

Robert Denerstein

Denver Rocky Mountain News

Top Critic

Rocky Balboa scores a split decision: A familiar start, some flat-footed middle rounds and a solid, flailing finish.

December 20, 2006 Full Review | Comment

Liam Lacey

Globe and Mail

Top Critic

You either buy into this premise or you don't and I'm sorry to say I found Rocky utterly preposterous.

July 6, 2010 Full Review | Comments (2)

Coco Forsythe

Future Movies UK

Stallone still has what it takes to make Rocky the peoples champ, and while the film is by no means a knockout, it will certainly be right there 'til the final round.

July 6, 2010 Full Review | Comment

Neil Miller

Film School Rejects

Note to any other would-be franchise revivalists -- consult Stallone.

January 25, 2010 Full Review | Comment (1)

Jeffrey Chen

Window to the Movies

Stallone wrote and directed this cinematic ride down memory lane that puts a final grace note on his indelible creation.

April 25, 2009 Full Review | Comment

Cole Smithey

ColeSmithey.com

It's no knockout, but it does go a solid, nostalgic 15 rounds.

April 23, 2009 Full Review | Comment

Tom Meek

Boston Phoenix

In the obligatory boxing terms, Balboa will K.O. your expectations, but that may only be because they're rightfully below the belt to begin with--and because this sixth installment is coming after the bell has already rung.

November 20, 2008 Full Review | Comment

Brian Marder

Hollywood.com

Rocky's back, with new energy -- but same story.

July 17, 2008 Full Review | Comment

Cynthia Fuchs

Common Sense Media

With "Rocky Balboa", Stallone's created the first real "sequel" to his original, a deserving bookend that recaptures that film's sense of character and realistic detail.

May 5, 2008 Full Review | Comment

Brian Holcomb

PopMatters

Stallone, now 60, has something in common with Rocky - he's an awkwardly bulked-up dinosaur, fighting to prove that the game hasn't passed him by. On that level, he succeeds.

April 10, 2008 Full Review | Comment

Rossiter Drake

San Francisco Examiner

There's nothing particularly memorable here -- no profound triumphs or lasting rallying cries.

January 10, 2008 Full Review | Comment

Steven Snyder

Zertinet Movies

This film is as strong as the original, and a fitting requiem for the big screen's most popular heavyweight.

July 25, 2007 Full Review | Comment

James Plath

Movie Metropolis

For a series that seemed out of gas decades ago, Rocky Balboa is a knock-out.

July 14, 2007 Full Review | Comment

Joe Lozito

Big Picture Big Sound

One of the best of 2006, and a wonderful last hurrah for a character that deserved a proper send-off...

July 10, 2007 Full Review | Comment

Felix Vasquez Jr.

Cinema Crazed

Though technically the sixth in the series, this sure seems an awful lot like a remake of the first film in the storied franchise, as it somehow manages to tug at the heartstrings in a way likely to leave you wiping away tears afresh.

March 31, 2007 Full Review | Comment

Kam Williams

NewsBlaze

• 1. Rocky Balboa: Great insults last a long time.
  – Submitted by Dann M (31 days ago)
• 1. Rocky Balboa: I'd hold you up to say to your mother, 'this kid's gonna be the best kid in the world. This kid's gonna be somebody better than anybody I ever knew.' And you grew up good and wonderful. It was great just watching you, every day was like a privilige. Then the time come for you to be your own man and take on the world, and you did. But somewhere along the line, you changed. You stopped being you. You let people stick a finger in your face and tell you you're no good. And when things got hard, you started looking for something to blame, like a big shadow. Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It's a very mean and nasty place and I don't care how tough you are it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't about how hard ya hit. It's about how hard you can get it and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done! Now if you know what you're worth then go out and get what you're worth. But ya gotta be willing to take the hits, and not pointing fingers saying you ain't where you wanna be because of him, or her, or anybody! Cowards do that and that ain't you! You're better than that! I'm always gonna love you no matter what. No matter what happens. You're my son and you're my blood. You're the best thing in my life. But until you start believing in yourself, ya ain't gonna have a life. Don't forget to visit your mother.
  – Submitted by Anthony L (2 months ago)