Rocky Balboa...time for retirement.

High hopes for Rocky Balboa were dashed 30 minutes into the film. Rocky, played by Sylvester Stallone is now a widower and restaurant owner in Philadelphia, he is disconnect from his son, and feeling dissatisfied with life. Against everyone's advice, he pursues his desire to return to his glory days as a boxer in an attempt to purge unresolved issues that have him emotionally paralyzed, stuck in the past and unable to venture forward. This time his opponent is Mason Dixon, played by Antonio Tarver, a young boxer who holds the championship belt and demolishes anyone brave enough to challenge him; and the only one left to do so is... you guessed it... Rocky, the senior citizen.

There really should be a law against a 60 year old man, trying to get back in the ring. Stallone should be ashamed of himself, for this film is more humorous than inspiring. Rocky 's motivation for returning to the ring is not convincing and it is the cornerstone that is to carry the film. There is nothing new or exciting about Rocky Balbao, except he acquires a dog from the pound & a couple new admirers; his backyard training tactics & grey sweats are all the same, and his manager, Paulie is also the same, just older, fatter and grumpier. This film is a bore, NO GO, the time for Rocky Balboa to retire as a boxer was yesterday. (102 minutes, PG)