**_Rocky as a has-been and, maybe, still-is_**

It has been over 20 years since Rocky’s been in the ring. He runs his Italian restaurant in Philadelphia named after his deceased wife while trying to get closer to his distant son, a corporate lawyer, and reacquainting with Marie (the troublesome girl he escorted home in the first movie). When the surprising opportunity arises to return to the ring, the fading boxer must discover if he still has his fighting spirit despite his age.

"Rocky Balboa” (2006) was the sixth Rocky film, appearing sixteen years after the previous installment. Also known as “Rocky VI,” this is a fine way to end the proper series, although Sylvester Stallone says a seventh film, an epilogue, is being considered (and I hope materializes).

To be expected, this one sticks to the tried-and-true Rocky formula, effectively showing where the key characters are at three decades after the original flick, plus introducing a few new faces, including an old canine named Punchy. Sure, it’s predictable, but it’s entertaining as it continues Rocky’s story in his mid-50s.

Of course, the successful spin-off series, Creed, brought Rocky back in 2015 and 2018 with a third installment to be released this year.

The film runs 1 hour, 42 minutes, and, was shot in Philadelphia, Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

GRADE: B