Back in the Ring August 3, 2006
Posted by jackal in : Films , trackbackThe other week I caught the new trailer for Rocky Balboa - number 6 in the franchise, and a full 16 years after Rocky V. Then only a couple of days ago I read that Sylvester Stallone’s long-gestating Rambo IV finally starts shooting in October. Oh, great, everyone moans, Why can’t they just leave these things alone. The last thing we need is another has-been action star embarrassing himself in an ill-advised ‘comeback’.
Well, sod it - count me in for both. I love the Rambo films, and not even in a ‘guilty favourites’ kinda way - I just love ‘em. There are times when I don’t want to watch an intelligent / thought-provoking / well-written piece of cinema; I just want to crack open a few drinks, turn up the subwoofer, and enjoy a daft, brainless action movie (see also: Commando). The prospect of a fourth Rambo just causes a big grin to spread across my face. My only regret is that it’ll be without the late Richard Crenna.
As for Rocky, I’m not even a fan of the films, but I’ll still check out number 6. Why, you ask, when the character is far too old for the story to be remotely realistic? Because that doesn’t matter - the Rocky films have never been realistic. It’s a fairy tale story, and the real-life parallels with Stallone’s career make it irresistible. You see, I’m a big fan of the man - some of his films are, frankly, crap, but he’s a survivor, one of the ‘old school’ action heroes, and even delivered a damn good performance in the underrated Copland. He just turned 60, yet he’s in better shape than any actor half his age. And if that isn’t enough, he is by all accounts a thoroughly nice guy; I can’t help but hope his comeback is as successful as Rocky’s.
Comments»
Count me in for both as well - this is great news!
Rambo will potentially be much better though. Rocky 6 should at least be worth a chuckle.