Browsing ComingSoon.net just now, I noticed that the full trailer for Rocky Balboa (AKA Rocky VI) dropped today. Curious, I clicked on the link and watched it. I have to admit, guys: I wanna see this movie. Maybe not at the first-run theater, maybe not even until it’s on DVD . . . but I want to see it. The reasons for this go back to my childhood.

When I was younger, I really dug the Rocky movies. My two favorites were III and IV, where Rocky fights Mr. T and Dolph Lundgren, respectively. My least favorites were II and V — II because of the insanely tedious parts where Rocky is reading to his comatose wife, and V . . . well, because it was a depressing, pointless, and not very good film. Who wants to see a movie about Rocky where his life goes down the shitter? Not me, certainly. So the seeds for me wanting to see Rocky Balboa were planted then. The trailer is pretty cool, too, so that also helps.

The movie’s story is basically a parallel retelling of the first: Another underdog story, featuring most of the original cast. (Despite her character being dead, I’m not sure whether Talia Shire [Adrian] will be in it or not. I’ve read reports stating that she’ll reprise her role via flashbacks, or via archive footage.) Also seems that a dash of humor as been thrown into the mix, at least from what I can glean from the trailer.

Here’s the official synopsis of the film: “An aging Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) comes out of retirement, intending to fight a few low-profile local fighters. He is approached to fight a match with the reigning heavyweight champion, Mason Dixon (Antonio Tarver), and soon his comeback sets off a media firestorm.”

Laugh at me if you like, but I think the movie could be good. At the very least, it should be entertaining.

JAB