And so here we have it, to date the final entry in the long-running ROCKY series. It's hard to believe that a 30-year gap has passed between the first film and this one, and you might be forgiven for thinking the films would have run out of steam long before now. Not so. Like Rocky himself, this film is a winner and one of those movies that keeps on giving.

Of course, filming styles have changed, so this is the film that feels most up to date of the lot. Stallone employs new camera techniques, especially in the final boxing match which is almost overloaded with stylish inserts, black and white segments and effects to make it feel realistic. Before then, though, we have an engaging and warming human story in which Stallone himself is centre screen throughout. That Rocky is just as likable as he was in the first film is testament to the actor's abilities.

I was disappointed when I learnt that Talia Shire wouldn't be returning for this film, because Adrian has always been a big part of Rocky's life. I needn't have worried. Although the actress is absent, Adrian is present pretty much consistently throughout the movie. It's great to have Paulie back, too, and Geraldine Hughes is an actress who acquits herself well with a sweet could-be love interest.

I enjoyed having Rocky running a restaurant in his retirement, and I liked all the links with other films in the saga. I found the way that he gets back into the boxing world to be realistic and believable, and the training sequences are a heartening throwback to the earlier films in this series. There's nothing not to like here, just strong writing and overwhelming passion. I loved it.

Boxing is falling into disrepute. The champ Mason Dixon can't find a good opponent. Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) is back living in the old neighborhood. Adrian is pass. His son Robert (Milo Ventimiglia) is busy at work and struggling to live in his shadow. He befriends Marie from the neighborhood who smart-mouthed him in the first movie. His avatar wins a virtual fight on ESPN with Mason Dixon. Paulie (Burt Young) gets laid off from the meat packer. Dixon's manager arranges a fight between the champ and Rocky.

I love recalling all the stuff from the original. I like Rocky going back to the old neighborhood. I like that he's the underdog again. However it's too much of an underdog. He's in the best shape of anybody at his age but he's not convincing as a viable opponent. Conveniently breaking his hand in the first round helps the believability but it's also very convenient. If this is the last time Rocky is in the ring, it's a good way to finish his time.

In Philadelphia, the retired former champion Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) misses his beloved deceased wife Adrian; tries to get closer to his son Robert (Milo Ventimiglia) and has a routine life helping people, running his restaurant telling his past glories to clients and taking pictures with his fans. When the television shows a virtual fight between Rocky and the unappreciated undefeated heavyweight titleholder Mason Dixon (Antonio Tarver) wined by Rocky, he feels the need to return to the ring to practice boxing in little fights as a sport. However, Mason's managers see the chance to promote their non-charismatic champion in a fight in Las Vagas in a charity event and invite Rocky for "the fight of the century". And fighters fight…

I was reluctant to see "Rocky Balboa", but fortunately the high IMDb Rating convinced me to see this great movie, if not the best of the "Rocky" franchise. The plot is very well constructed, but the most important are the messages in the lines of the simple Rocky. His speech to his son is amazing and his attitudes are great examples to be followed. I have recently seen the last "Rambo" and together with "Rocky Balboa" I dare to write that Sylvester Stallone proves that "the last thing to age in some body is their heart". Congratulations to him! My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): "Rocky Balboa"