Going the Distance...

Ah yeah! Rocky returns to the ring for one more fight. I mean who hasn’t wanted to run up those steps in Philly, I know I have and next year I may get my wish. I’ll admit, the thought of another Rocky movie made me chuckle inwardly. “Yeah, sure.” I thought and rightly so. It has been sixteen years since the horribly disappointing Rocky V. Not a bad story just badly executed and a really ridiculous ending. As Rocky Balboa’s release date grows closer, I can’t help but feel a sense of anticipation. I want to see this movie. I want to see a character that I love, end with dignity. I admit it, I love Rocky and everything he represents. It’s not about glitz, glamour or the violence of competition boxing. It’s about a man, a loner, out in the world doing the best he can and doing something he loves. Earning respect, not by playing others rules, but by simply being the best he can be. He’s an everyman that isn’t the smartest, isn’t the fastest and isn’t even the toughest (Okay, he does have an iron jaw) but he certainly has the biggest heart. Sure, he’s just a character, but you can relate to him and you can feel for him and you can root for him because despite the forces conspiring to keep him down he still finds a way to come out on top. The great thing about this movie is I don’t even need Rocky to win to enjoy it, I just want the character get a good send off.