Movie Title: 300
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (10/10)
Year: 2006
300 official site: http://www.300themovie.com/

From the release of the trailer, I already fell in love with the movie. The monotone colour treatment, the editing just got my attention. I remember the last time I saw a movie of similar treatment was Sin City and Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow. I couldn’t help but give the movie  two thumbs up 👍👍 and to keep the review short, it’s a combination of  Gladiator and Sin City.  And if you are like me who like both, you will agree that this is a great movie and shouldn’t be missed.

The movie, 300 is an adaptation from Frank Miller’s (creator of Sin City) graphical novel with the same title and was inspired and loosely based on a famous historical event, “Battle of Thermopylae” in which some critics claimed for it to be 90% accurate to the true events.  The movie is narrated from the perspective of a Spartan soldier, Dilios (David Wenham) on how King Leonidas (Gerard Butler) and his 300 men fight against the Persian King, Xerxes (Rodrigo Santoro).

300 starts of by introducing Sparta as a military state in Greece where military fitness practically begins at birth. Shortly after birth, the babies were put to a test and were then brought to the elders in which if the baby were found weak, they will be left to die at the slope of Mount Taygetos. They were then trained to be a Spartan soldier – to fight and never retreat, and having a shield of their own is their ultimate goal. Their final training was when they are sent to the countryside with nothing and forced to survive with only their skills and young Leonidas survived the test.

The movie starts to get exciting when Leonid who is now the King of Sparta who refuses to submit to King of Persia, Xerxes (Rodrigo Santoro). While being bribed and only care for his own interest, Theron (Dominic West) is totally against Leonidas idea and object to the idea of going on a war against Persia.

As a king, Leonidas can’t obey the Oracle’s (Kelly Craig) advice as no one is above the law. Enlighted by his wife, Gorgo’s (Lena Headey) advice, Leonidas gather 300 of his best man where he only selected men who have sired sons who are old enough to take over the family’s responsibility. When stopped by the elders, Leonidas simply say he is going for a walk with his 300 personal bodyguard.

Before Leonidas leave, Gorgo asked Leonidas to return with his shield in glory. For many, seems to meant Gorgo gave her blessing to Leonidas. However based on true Spartan customs, if a soldier were to return to Sparta alive without his shield, it is assumed they threw the heavy shield to run away from enemy and that retreat act is punishable by death or banishment.

As Leonidas and his men march to the Hot Gates, they met up with a group or Arcadians who joined forces to battle the Persian.  Upon arriving, Leonidas saw many Persian ship sank due to bad weather but were quickly shocked when they saw the amount of Persian soldiers at the shore. While busy preparing for the battle, a hunchback Spartan, Ephialtes (Andrew Tiernan) who secretly followed Leonidas tries to offer his valuable help to the Spartans to redeemed his father’s name in the battle but was quickly turned down when he fails to lift up the shield as Ephialtes are one of the Spartans that were left to die at the mountains due to weak body.

Constantly defeated by Leonidas, Xerxes resorts to lure Ephialtes to spill out secrets on how to defeat Leonidas.  Being betrayed, the Arcadians soon retreat while the Spartans continue to battle till the very end. While not able to win, Leonidas manage to cut Xerxes’ cheek delivering his promise “to make God King bleed”.

As mentioned at the start, I am totally in love 💗 with the colour correction and monotone feel, leaving users to focus on the character and the story itself. Also find the choice for casting is appropriate and by far one of the best movie seen this year.

An action packed movie with loads of blood and fighting scene. Watch it, and don’t miss it!

Movie Title: Ghost Rider
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/10)
Year: 2007
Ghost Rider official site: http://www.ghostrider-movie.com/

Yeay!!! As much as I say I want to watch this movie when it first came out, I didn’t. Indeed, I was fashionably late for this one. Very much late when my friends told me it was cheesy. Well… some even text me to just watch the DVD when they just walk out from the cinema. Being me, of course I want to see it on the big screen.

Seriously, no matter how cheesy it may sound or be, I would wanna see it. I mean… hello… a movie make based on MARVEL comic books! I think I only missed Daredevil and The Hulk. Seriously, I sorta think it’s one of the best way to practically see and read a comic. Best is when you get the best of both world in one.

As usual… the opening was a pretty much standard MARVEL comic flip style (which I really enjoy). Then comes the Ghost Rider opening titles which quickly disappoints me. Now wait a minute… let me say this, I have not seen the comics… nope… have not even heard about it.. so reviews are solely based on what I see and feel. Now back to the opening… I find it has this big clash between this modern fast and furious like car pattern design with old western fonts… which later on when the story ends… I sorta know why they did it… but still I wasn’t impressed. I personally think it’s a bad combination.

The movie begins with a narrated story which tells tales about the legendary Ghost Rider. Back in the old western days, in the town called San Venganzas, one horse rider make a deal with the devil, Mephistopheles (Peter Fonda) to be the next Ghost Rider. A Ghost Rider is the Devil’s bounty hunter. It lives to do the Devil’s bidding and bring back any escaped souls from Hell. In one of his jobs, he Rider is sent to retrieve a contract where a thousand souls of San Venganzas make with Mephistopheles. Knowing how powerful the contract is, the Rider ride away and hide the contract and himself away from the “devil”.

The movie then starts centuries later focusing on a young stunt motorcyclist, Johnny Blaze (Matt Long) and his father Barton Blaze (Brett Cullen). They were the main attraction at the carnival and lots of people is actually cheering for them. Young Johnny Blaze was madly in love with Roxanne Simpson (Raquel Alessi). Roxanne’s father is planning to send Roxanne away to stay with her mother. Being so in love, Johnny decides to run away with Roxanne to a far away place leaving his father behind. Johnny makes a date with Roxanne to wait at the same spot tomorrow.

When Johnny reach home, his father was asleep looking back at the old news clippings. While trying to put the album aside, Johnny picked up a letter from the bin stating that his father is dying of lungs cancer. Sadden by the news, Johnny just went out, take some air while fixing up his bike. While fixing, Mephistopheles suddenly appear in front of Johnny telling him how much he loves to see him ride. Mephistopheles then make a deal with Johnny. He promised he would cure his father claiming that his father will be “as healthy as a horse” if Johnny signs his soul over. While trying to take a look at the contract, he cut his hand and a drop of blood falls on the contract.

Mephistopheles quickly takes the contract back saying that would do. Johnny then finds himself laying on the bed the next morning. Johnny thought he was dreaming at first. When his father was jumping around happily telling him he is fine and the doctor says he is not sick anymore, Johnny felt something is not right. Later that evening, Johnny’s father died while performing a stunt at the carnival. Johnny then finds out it’s Mephistopheles caused his father’s death.

Mephistopheles then contacted Johnny to inform him that he now owns Johnny’s soul and that a rider like him needs no distraction from family, friends and love. This forces Johnny to leave Roxanne behind and goes on a solo life.

Many many years later, Johnny (Nicholas Cage) grew up to be a famous stunt motorcyclist. He is famous for surviving his almost impossible to achieve stunts. Mack (Donal Logue), one of his crew members constantly advice him to stop doing the impossible and take good care of his life. He even told Johnny that, he must have an angel looking after him for surviving all those impossible stunts. Which of course, no one knows it was something else.

While trying to set a new record trying to jump from end to end of a field stunt, Johnny met Roxanne (Eva Mendez). Roxanne is now a journalist and set to interview Johnny. Both got a little tongue tied especially when Johnny kept asking Roxanne embarrassing questions. After successfully doing the field end to field end jump ( with helicopters in between)… which many regard as a suicide attempt, Johnny just went on to find Roxanne. Johnny tries to renew his relationship. He then asked Roxanne out for a date.

Just when everything seems fine, Blackheart (Wes Bentley), Mephistopheles’ son came to earth to find the contract that belongs to Mephistopheles. As he arrived at a bar, he practically killed everyone in the bar. He then calls upon “The Hidden” which gathers three other fallen angel that takes the form of Earth “Grissel” (Laurence Breuls), Wind “Abigor” (Mathew Wilkinson) and Water “Wallow” (Daniel Frederiksen). While trying to get the contract, they confronted Mephistopheles.

Blackheart told Mephistopheles that he is all out to get the contract and there is nothing he could do to stop him as he could not send his soul back to Hell. Mephistopheles told Blackheart and “The Hidden” that he would send his Ghost Rider to go after them.

Johnny is getting ready to meet Roxanne as promised. However, Mephistopheles comes just in time to spoil the date. He hinted to Johnny that he survived all those stunts because of the deal he made to be his Ghost Rider. Johnny tried to refuse working for Mephistopheles, however it just didn’t happen.

As he rides on the bike, it just move automatically. The bike then brought Johnny to a warehouse where Blackheart and The Hidden is looking for clues to find the contract. In the warehouse, Johnny’s skin melt away and is left with a flaming skull. At the presence of the evil, Johnny is now the Ghost Rider.

He then catch up with Blackheart and The Hidden. There, he fight with them where he got his signature chain. Blackheart then send Grissel to fight with Johnny which end up being sent to hell by Johnny with his fiery chain.

While trying to catch up with Blackheart and the others, he manages to save a girl from being robbed. Johnny grabs the robber and uses his most powerful weapon, the “Penance Stare”. Using the stare, it can turn the victim’s guilt against himself to inflict all the pain and suffering the robber has caused to innocents upon himself, leaving his eyes burned out.

Johnny then rides to a graveyard and fainted in front of this father’s grave as he starts to regain himself when the sun starts to shine. At the graveyard, Johnny met the Caretaker (Sam Elliot) who knows much about the Ghost Rider and Johnny’s life.

After leaving the graveyard, Johnny is on his way to look for Roxanne to apologize. On his way there, he notices the damages the Ghost Rider has done to the city. Everyone else is shocked and is investigating what is happening. Roxanne is interviewing the girl whom the Ghost Rider saved. Everyone started to look at her in a weird manner when she describes the look of the Ghost Rider. After the interview, Johnny tries to apologize to Roxanne. Being very angry and disappointed that Johnny never appear as promised again, Roxanne just left.

After a rough day, Johnny returns home and do more research to know what actually is happening to him. As he is trying out some gifts and talents he have with him now, Roxanne came looking for him and apologizes on the harsh words she used on Johnny. Roxanne then asked Johnny to explain why he didn’t show up. Johnny told Roxanne that she would not believe him if he tells the truth. Roxanne assured Johnny that she will believe him, however when Johnny tells out what happen… Roxanne was angry thinking Johnny would rather give her made up excuses than be frank.

As Roxanne walks out the door, Johnny is being arrested when they found his bike’s number plate at the scene. He is then being locked up in a cell. When being locked up, his cell mates tries to pick on him. In the presence of evil, he turns to the Ghost Rider and scared everyone else.

Escaping from jail, Johnny is now hunting down for Blackheart and The Hidden. This time, Blackheart sent Abigor to fight with Johnny. A massive damage was done as well. however this time around, everyone practically saw the Ghost Rider. Much shocking to everyone, including Roxanne. She finally knows that Johnny was not lying.

After defeating Abigor, Johnny tries to go to Roxanne. The police then open fire where he the quickly get on his bike and ride on returning to the graveyard to look for the caretaker. Not noticing that Blackheart was watching, he now knows the Rider’s weakness.

The caretaker hinted that Blackheart will use whatever he can to manipulate Johnny to get the contract. Johnny then tries to find Roxanne. However he was a little late as Blackheart has killed Mack and captured Roxanne. Johnny tries to change to be the Rider and use his Penance Stare on Blackheart which didn’t work out as Blackheart has no soul.

When Blackheart takes Roxanne along and asked Johnny to bring the contract to San Venganzas, Johnny went back to look for the caretaker and told him he have to find the contract to save Roxanne. The caretaker then reveals himself as Carter Slade (the previous Ghost Rider) and broke his shovel that he always carry and gave Johnny the hidden contract.

Carter promise to show Johnny the way and ride with him to San Venganzas. When reach, Carter pass Johnny his gun and thanked him for freeing his curse. While trying to pass through a swamp, Johnny was attacked by Wallow. Johnny managed to transform himself to the Rider and killed Wallow.

When Johnny finally arrive at San Venganzas, he saw Blackheart and Roxanne. Blackheart promise to free Roxanne first before Johnny gives him the contract. Half way releasing Roxanne, Johnny transforms himself to the Ghost Rider and starts to fight with Blackheart. The fight was then interrupted by the rising sun which forces Johnny to return to human form.

Blackheart then got the contract and opened it and called out the thousands evil souls in the town. Upon absorbing all the souls, he now becomes “Legion” of evil. Determined to kill Blackheart, Johnny cures Blackheart in to a church which is dark enough for his him to regain his Ghost Rider power. Of course one knows what happen when Ghost Rider gives it’s victim the Penance Stare… now that Blackheart have a thousand souls to burn.

Now… I am not sure how the comic goes about but there are lots of things which is rather confusing to me. Firstly, the trailer claims that Johnny sell his soul to save someone he loves. But the movie make it a little contradicting. It seems more like an accident kinda thing that he accidently cut his hand and a blood somehow just drop on the contract.

If Mephistopheles is always looking after his Ghost Riders, how come he cannot find the caretaker to get the contract in the first place? Let’s say the caretaker is that great in hiding… when Johnny landed and ended up at the graveyard how come he could not sense the caretaker is the previous ghost rider? And even so, when Johnny got the contract from the caretaker… why does he not reveal himself and grab the contract since it belongs to him?

Well, I know I sorta have to relax and let myself go when it comes to watching movies like this.. but I just hate it when I have more things troubling my my after I come out from the cinema. I initially wanted to get rid of what is on my mind but I came out with more things on my mind. Ah…

I somewhat felt the continuity was bad. Especially when they could just show how the caretaker stitch up Johnny for a whole 1 minute scene.. and the next second, when he is looking in to the mirror, the scar just goes missing.

I personally felt Roxanne was overcast. I don’t know… really don’t think she suited the character as it looks a little forceful on her. Well, I think Nicholas Cage was sorta alright except the fact that his lines were rather cheesy and I somewhat think he is a little too old for the character. I don’t know… probably a younger, hotter guy as a biker… *drool*.

Well, I guess not all MARVEL movie pulls of nicely. This is one of those that don’t.

Movie Title: Dreamgirls
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/10)
Year: 2006
Dreamgirls official site: http://www.dreamgirlsmovie.com/

Dreamgirls, the famous Broadway show started when I was only 1 and growing up in a small town in a Chinese community… I barely heard of the name being mentioned.

So when exactly did I hear about Dreamgirls? Hmm… it was when LB couldn’t stop showing his affection towards this show that caught me interested and wanting to find out more. Just as I did… I notice they really do carry big stars with them. And yes… musical, music + movie… what could be better than a perfect combo? So I guess I should enjoy it. But did I?

Dreamgirls, a movie set back in the early 1960s was pretty much adapted from a famous Broadway musical show with the same name. The movie started of with a trio African-American girl group known as The Dreamettes lead by Effie White (Jennifer Hudson) followed by Deena Jones (Beyoncé Knowles) and Lorrell Robinson (Anika Noni Rose) trying their luck at a local talent competition at the Detroit Theatre.

The girls were late for the show as Deena gotta sneak out from her house only after her grandmother went to bed. They were actually taken off the list since they were late. However it’s their lucky day when they bump into Curtis Taylor Jr. (Jamie Foxx). Curtis is a Cadillac dealer who is trying hard to be a someone in the music business. Hence, Curtis help get The Dremettes to perform.

The Dremettes blown the crowd with their performance. Trying to keep The Dremettes for his own use, he somewhat bet on a 50 that they won’t win the talent show. Indeed they didn’t and they were quickly disappointed with the fact that they didn’t win. Curtis then manage to catch up with the girl and strike them with a deal. Deena and Lorrell was jumping around happily when Curtis told them that he will be arranging them to be James “Thunder” Early (Eddie Murphy) backup singers.

Effie of course rejected the offer since she always is the lead and would do nothing but to sing lead. However, after being sweet-talked by Curtis, Effie changed her mind and the girls starts to follow Jimmy to tour around together with Jimmy’s manager, Marty (Danny Glover).

Thinking that Jimmy could do better than what he is doing and trying to get Jimmy appeal to a wider group of audience, Curtis proposed to Jimmy and Marty that they should sing something different. Marty totally rejected the idea and tries to walk out of it… however Jimmy didn’t see eye to eye with Marty. Jimmy and The Dreamettes soon start recording their first song with low budget.

It was a great tune and it proves that Curtis’s instinct about music was right. Within weeks, the song start to hit a wide audience. Just when the song was going famous, the song was credited to the other singer who was much more famous at that point of time. C.C (Keith Robinson), Effie’s brother was angry and frustrated when he noticed someone just practically “stole” their song.

Knowing how the industry runs, Curtis sold of all the Cadillacs and even gamble to double his money cause it’s the key ingredient to making Jimmy and The Dremettes famous. C.C then continue to write more great songs for them. While in the progress of making them famous, Effie has gotten head over heels over Curtis while Lorrell and Jimmy started an adulterous affair.

Curtis started his own recording label, Rainbow Records. By practicing payola, Curtis manage to get Jimmy and The Dremettes to the charts. On the other side, Marty noticed what Curtis is trying to do to Jimmy and tries to stop it. However Jimmy felt that Curtis is right and decided to follow his direction. This incident draws the line when Marty decides to walk out of Jimmy’s life.

Curtis manage to grab a chance for Jimmy and the girls to perform in the Apollo Theatre as it is never easy for an African-American to perform there. Jimmy’s act quickly pissed some of the audience off. However some of them were quickly addicted and wanted to see more of the Dremettes. Knowing he could not change Jimmy, Curtis puts his attention to The Dremettes.

Giving them a new look, expensive wig, beautiful cloths, he quickly transform them from The Dremettes to The Dreams. Effie got a shock of her life when her lead singer position was replaced by the beautiful and attractive Deena. What saddens her is when her brother, C.C agrees to Curtis decision as well.

Effie then agrees on the decision after being calmed down by C.C and Curtis saying things are just temporary. The girls was an instant hit when they start with their signature “Dreamgirls” song. From there onwards, they just grew and grew and grew.

When Deena gets most of the limelight and with Curtis getting close to Deena, Effie starts to feel betrayed. She does not kindly that she is now the backup singer and started to act wild and walk out on the group. When Effie failed to turn up on rehearsals for The Dreams Las Vegas New Year’s debut, Curtis then decides to replace Effie with Michelle Morris (Sharon Leal).

Effie then showed up on the day of the show, where the girls was having their final rehearsal. Effie then noticed she was replaced. She started blaming on Deena and the fight just got real big that it dragged in people like Lorrell, C.C and just everyone. At the end of the argument, Effie finally notice she is now without her girl friends, her man walked out of her life not knowing she is pregnant, her brother walks out on her as well.

The show then jump to the early 1970s where The Dreams continue to bloom. Effie on the other hand was broke and staying in a small home with her 8 years old daughter, Magic (Mariah I. Wilson). On the other side, Deena and Curtis got married and they moved to Los Angeles. Under Curtis, Rainbow Records prosper as well taking in more and more singers. Rainbow Records even try to expand in to the film industry.

Curtis is all out to make Deena the lead in this new version of Cleopatra. Unknown to Curtis, Deena have no interest in taking up the role, instead she secretly meets out other producers trying to take up other roles.

Concentrating on Deena, Curtis has no interest at all in revitalizing Jimmy’s career. It was clearly shown and felt when he just rejects Lorrell and Jimmy’s duet without even listening much to it. Feeling down about his life, career and love life, Jimmy turns to drugs.

Out of a sudden, one will notice eventually C.C and Michelle is now a couple. C.C still tries to make an effort to contact and send money to Effie, which of course the stubborn Effie refused. Knowing that she can’t continue her life like that, Effie turns to Marty for help.

Knowing some people around, Marty tries to help Effie out. Effie failed Marty out with her selfish and “think she’s all that” attitude. In frustration, Marty told Effie this is her last chance which somehow woke Effie from her sweet dreams and face reality.

Rainbow Records held a ten anniversary show featuring the stars under the recording label. Right before Jimmy’s performance, he and Lorrell was in some arguments when Jimmy’s wife insisted to come watch the show. It somehow become clear to Lorrell that no matter how much they love each other, they both can’t and won’t have a normal relationship. As she tries to talk to Jimmy, he gave an excuse that he have a show to run and walk out of the discussion.

In the middle of Jimmy’s performance, the soulful performer dropped his pants in the middle of the show. The angry Curtis then fires Jimmy from the recording label. To add salt to the wound, Lorrell decides to leave Jimmy at the same time. Just days later after the incident, Jimmy was found dead due to drug overdose.

Frustrated over Curtis actions of changing the beat and taking the soul out of his creations, C.C decides to leave Rainbow Records. C.C then went back to Detroit and search for Effie trying to apologize to her. When she finally does, C.C wrote a song for Effie to sing and it turn out to be a popular hit.

Using his old tricks, Curtis buy out the radio DJ and make them play Deena and The Dreams version of Effie’s song but in a more disco and upbeat tune. When C.C and Effie know what happened, they were angry and frustrated.

Deena fights back when Curtis tries to control her life. She went through Curtis’ drawers only to notice what he has done to Effie’s album and information about Curtis’ payola scheme. She then calls up Effie to apologize and told Effie the truth. The next day, C.C, Effie and Marty walked in to Rainbow Records together with a lawyer.

When they presented evidence to Curtis’ illegal actions, Curtis work out a deal where Rainbow Records will fund a new label for C.C., which will allow Effie’s record national distribution. While they were working out the deal, Effie and Deena met up where Effie told Deena, Magic is Curtis’ daughter.

Later, Curtis confronted Deena only to find out she is actually tired of being controlled by him and decides to leave. Inspired by Effie’s comeback, Deena decides to leave Curtis’ even when he tries to blackmail her saying she would be nothing without him.

As a result of all the drama and arguments, Deena and The Dreams decides to walk on separate ways and gave a farewell performance. At the ending of the concert, Effie was introduced to everyone else as part of the original The Dreams member. Instead of Deena being the lead, Effie took up the lead singer position singing their signature song “Dreamgirls”.

As much as I like the set up and the glittery bling bling costumes, I somewhat find a lot of sections and plots in the show undeveloped. Things happen was just ina blink of an eye… or probably portrayed as “by the way” these things happened. Lots of filling in the gaps things happened. Not to mention the relationships within the people and circle is complicated and the director just makes it more complicated by leaving out the blanks. Out of a sudden Effie was with Curtis.. out of a sudden Curtis is with Deena without even showing how things bloom. Then out of a sudden Lorrell rejected Jimmy… when out of a sudden they both have and adulterous affair and was madly in love. Out of a sudden C.C is with Michelle.

The musical… ah… it was great however I find some was overly exaggerated especially the part when Effie was being thrown out of the group. I somewhat think it was too overly done and she is trying too hard to prove she is someone who can sing. Not to mention the whole dragging on thing got me so annoyed that I just wish to stand up in the middle of the cinema and say “STOP IT”.

Casting and singing wise, Beyoncé will be Beyoncé. She is a superstar singer so what can go wrong? furthermore to that, her being part of the Destiny Child… well… is it that hard for her to take up the role? Yes, she did a great job and all but why I wasn’t surprised? I somewhat think she never did breakthrough despite how she claims that this is the first time she felt she is an actress. I didn’t agree to what she claims.. since she is doing what she is doing practically every single day… which is sing sing sing and sing.

Jennifer Hudson seems to be the main focus and limelight after she won the best supporting actress role. Well… I think she did well, and her gaining 20 pounds for the role is proven to be worthy. However, I think she over do herself in many ways in the movie. Making me felt.. she is good… but annoying and I just have this feeling of not wanting to see more of her anymore.

I don’t know, overall.. I still think this is pretty much a over-hyped movie which will practically died out if it wasn’t for the famous people and big budget.

Movie Title: Rocky Balboa
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (6/10)
Year: 2006
Rocky Balboa official site: http://www.rocky.com/

Now talk about being nostalgic. Talk about a new Rocky movie after 16 years. Not to mention the first rocky was produced years before I was born.

After disappearing from the screen from some time, Sylvester Stallone is back… looking way older than the last time I see him in Driven. When he still have smooth face. Somewhat, somehow… I wonder if it’s the make up in this movie or is he really getting that old. I mean yes, he is aging but it’s like only 4 years. I guess the changes are sorta drastic for me.

After 30 years from the original Rocky, Rocky (Sylvester Stallone) is back. At his 60’s age, Rocky now owns a small restaurant at Philadelphia. His life was kind of like a routine. What’s worst is when his wife Adrian (Talia Shire) passed away a few years back. His life seems so empty and boring.

Intimidated and constantly felt over-shadowed by his father’s popularity, Rocky Jr. (Milo Ventimiglia) tries his very best to avoid / not to be seen with his father. Rocky starts to wonder if he did anything wrong to make things seems so awkward.

On Adrian’s anniversary, Rocky pull along Paulie (Burt Young) to go walk around and goes back to places where he first met Adrian, their dating place, her old house. Lots of past clips and memories arise. As he walks around, he ends up at a bar where Marie (Geraldine Hughes) is working. Rocky used to walk Marie home when she was young.

While catching up with Marie, a young girl walks up to Rocky and asked him to buy them some beer. When refused, she started insulting Rocky. The insult never stops even when Rocky tries to send Marie home. At one point, Rocky just couldn’t take it anymore and walked up to the group of youngsters.

Marie then introduce her son, Steps (James Francis Kelly III) to Rocky. Rocky was somehow surprised that Steps is actually mixed. Rocky then invited Marie and Steps to dine at his restaurant which they actually did turn up.

Being an ever famous boxer, Rocky would always tells his boxing stories to his customers. Somethings which they like to listen to while dining at his restaurant. When one of his staff is due to deliver a baby, Rocky quickly persuade Marie to work for him. Wondering why Rocky treat her so good, she refused Rocky’s request at first. She later on agreed when Rocky manage to convince her that he is just being him and just trying to help as a friend and nothing else.

Opposite of Rocky, Mason Dixon (Antonio Traver) is the current famous and top boxer. His undefeated record put him from a love to hate position. Everyone thinks he wins to easily. Easy knock-outs, no competitor and everyone is just angry as boxing seems to lost it’s spark.

Everything turns exciting when a computer generated match between Rocky and Mason is being aired. Everyone got curious who would actually be better. When the results sided on Rocky, Mason was furious. His managers on the other hand look at this as an opportunity to grab more money out of it. While Rocky was just plain curious about his own capabilities and got him thinking to be a boxer again.

Now… you can hear the Rocky tune.. you can see him run the stairs.. sounds familiar? Well.. yeah it happens on all Rocky movies. A trademark sorta thing. Rocky accepted the challenge against Mason. Rocky Jr. was angry when he heard that Rocky accepted the challenge. He went up to Rocky and demanded him to stop it. However, after listening to Rocky’s words.. not only did he support his decision, he quit his job cause he thinks it doesn’t suit him but he also accompany Rocky through his difficult training times. With the upbeat music, the not overly done training and keep it realistic exercise finally gives the movie a little uplift.

The fight of the century finally arrive. With Spider Rico (Pedro Lovell) blessing Rocky and the funny part comes is when Paulie chose a Frank Sinatra song to play as a background song when Rocky is walking out. When the bell rings, Mason and Rocky starts fighting. A punch here and there… and there… and here. Ouch! Lots of blood… saliva flying everywhere.

Okay… I wouldn’t wanna spoil it all for everyone… but somehow the ending was rather… how do I put it in words. It sorts of put me in the “Duh… that’s it?” position. I thought the ending could be stronger and more emotional but it didn’t show.

It is an interesting movie but the paste was rather slow and it makes it really hard for me to concentrate. I could understand how they would wanna bring the clips, touch the heart, bring some emotions in but it was just a little too much. The peak of the movie was when the training starts to the competition… which I somehow feel it wasn’t enough to attract or bring audiences to another level.

I felt it could have been better despite it being a legendary movie. But well, at least it is way better than what it’s trailer portray.