I loved the original.  I liked the second.  The third was a typical 1980's flop.  The fourth was corny and over the top, but had some classic moments.  The fifth was dire.  This sixth chapter is the most wistful and gentle of the bunch.  It reminisces its way to a fitting conclusion that exorcises the demons and puts the story to bed with warmth and closure.

The champ is living the quiet life now -- running a quaint Philly restaurant where Rocky can tell his battle stories to the customers and take snapshots with his fans.  He misses Adrian, who passed away a few years ago, and holds on to her memory by visiting her grave and the places where they first fell in love.

He drags Paulie along whenever he goes to the cemetery.  Paulie is a rather sad wretch these days.  Rocky's son is living a corporate life now... somewhat estranged from his famous father.  Their conversations are forced and ill-timed.

Rocky meets Marie (Hughes), a local bartender with a teenage son.  They soon strike up a friendship of sorts... one with a lovely and restrained hint of flirtation.  It is in that relationship that the film blossoms.  Geraldine Hughes is one of the keys to this film's success.  She manages to give the film real heart.  Sly Stallone nails his legendary character and his motivations... He knows Rocky inside and out and writes the character superbly -- and plays him with nuance and class.  I am not afraid to say that Sly deserves Oscar consideration for both acting and screenwriting with this film.

The film sets up a possible comeback for the champ against Mason "The Line Dixon (Tarver), the current heavyweight champion of the world.  Dixon is hated by the fans and is in desperate need of some respect.  His last choice is to fight a washed up old man named Balboa.

We get the prerequisite training montage and the grand finale fight that feels much more authentic than any other in the series.  However, it is the quiet moments in this film that will stir the emotions more.  The conversations about the past and the laments about growing older -- those are the real battles here.  And the film doesn't play to typical Hollywood demands... It takes the audience in a brave direction that shows just how knowledgeable Stallone is when it comes to great storytelling.

I really could have used a little more time to flesh out the story.  It feels about 20 minutes too short.  These characters earn the right to be on screen longer.  "Rocky Balboa" will surprise many viewers -- it is one of the more thoughtful films of the Christmas season and ranks as one of the 20 best films of 2006.