Just when you think he’s down for the count, Rocky Balboa always manages to rise again, renewing our faith that you can do anything if you believe and work hard enough. Returning for his sixth outing as this iconic movie figure, Sylvester Stallone stars in the upcoming Rocky Balboa, scheduled for a nationwide release on December 20. To prepare for this new film, let’s take a stroll down memory lane.  

The year was 1976. Movie fans flocked to see Rocky, a little motion picture that surprised everyone -- even at the Academy Awards Ceremony where it beat out such great movies as Taxi Driver and Network to win Oscars for Best Picture, Best Director and Best Editor. Stallone, who wrote the screenplay, was nominated for Best Actor, and his screenplay received a nomination for Best Original Screenplay. Not bad for a film that might never have seen the light of day without Stallone’s persistence and dedication.

After writing the script, Stallone wouldn’t sell it unless he could play the title role. Why did he write this particular screenplay? Because he was inspired by the incredible performance of Chuck Wepner in his fight against the great champion, Muhammed Ali. And so, Rocky -- one of filmdom’s most entertaining underdog stories -- was born. Only viewers made of stone failed to cheer Rocky Balboa’s success at going the distance in the face of overwhelming odds. But my favorite part of this film involved the tender romance between Rocky and Adrian (played to perfection by Talia Shire). And, of course, who can forget that rousing “Gonna Fly Now” theme song?   

In 1979, Rocky II came along, featuring a rematch between Rocky and Apollo Creed, played dynamically by Carl Weathers. Rocky III followed in 1982, adding Mr. T to Rocky’s list of boxing opponents and transforming Apollo Creed into Rocky’s trainer. Next, a superhuman Russian champ challenges Rocky, who fights to avenge a friend’s death in Rocky IV, followed by the training of a promising young fighter who turns out to be an ingrate in Rocky V. 

Do we need another Rocky movie? Stallone thinks so. He hopes to connect the Rocky ideas to a new generation. Charles Winkler, producer of the upcoming Rocky Balboa, claims that Stallone also wanted to end the Rocky franchise with a worthy finale. “Sylvester was a man on a mission,” he says. “He wanted it to end on the right note -- a story that could make you a believer again.”

Rocky Balboa, the fourth Rocky film to be directed by Stallone, shows a more worldly Rocky, a man whose best years have supposedly come and gone. “He’s literally back where he was at the beginning, all alone, except he has lost his naivete,” explains Stallone. “He has had all the glory he’s ever wanted, but his wife has died; his son has moved on. Everything he thought was the ultimate dream is gone and now he’s just alone.”  

Things begin to change for Rocky when ESPN matches Rocky Balboa and Mason “The Line” Dixon (Antonio Tarver), the current heavyweight champ, in a computer-generated fight and Rocky wins. This strange event prompts Rocky to reapply for a boxing license. He  wants only a few small fights, but something bigger is in store for him. Once again, Rocky must overcome tremendous obstacles. This time, these barriers include prejudice and stereotypical attitudes about age.

Will Rocky win his final bout?  Place your bets, movie fans. But never underestimate the Italian Stallion.

(Rocky Balboa is an MGM release. For more information, visit the official website at www.rocky.com.)