I don’t know about Stallone. Aside from “Rocky” he tends to be a one-note performer. His concept for the new DW sounds interesting, but let’s see if he can pull it off. Kudos to him for acting into his sixties with such youthful energy!!!

Calling any Rocky movie sappy is like calling Stanley Kubrick Kubrickian. To many men, those movies are like sportsx1,000 that allow them to get teary eyed and relate to massive training regimens from the couch (”just like my high school football days”). Sure, Rocky Balboa is formulaic but in its own way it’s the deepest of the films. I’ve never seen a modern star like Stallone make or star in a movie that’s basically his ideas on the ravishing of time and the inevitable. He doesn’t gussy himself up. We see it on his face (I know he’s had cosmetic surgery, but still). It’s a very personal film for an actor not to mention a director, and a lot of non-Rocky fans were disappointed with the “slow” first half, but that’s the film’s point. The messages are laid out in the film like they’re from Sly’s private journal, and if you didn’t see them as metaphors for his trials in Hollywood this last decade or two, re-watch it. Of course, the messages are there to be understood by families, and it’s Rocky, not exactly a brainiac, but that’s why we like the dude and the movies.

As for the ’70s look, Rocky’s character is mentally stuck in the good ol’ Philly days. He’s a dinosaur amongst men. Philly can look drab, and Rocky Balboa reflects that. It’s a great, hard working city with a bad murder rate. I’d say the look reflects Stallone’s eye as a director, but to each his own. I will say that I watched the Rocky box set over Christmas, and Rocky III is more dated than ever. Also, Rocky’s IQ goes up and down through the films, but it returns to regular Rocky in Rocky Balboa. It was a fine send off. And Paulie is just as bat shit as ever. Gotta love it.

That one is on the house.

and for real, who’s got a better stache than the Brons? see.

Sentimental sludge.

Whaa? I’m sorry, what commenter here disagrees with me besides you? And I don’t grasp your first sentence at all. I also really liked Rocky Balboa, plan to see the new Rambo and hope it does well, and dressed up like a street-garb 0-110 Rocky last Halloween. A Death Wish remake is just an inexplicable, poor and odd choice for Stallone’s next movie.

Your ticket is saved you are counted in. ;)

I for one loved Charles Bronson Death wish Series seen them all. And of all the actors I can think of , I think Stallone would be a perfect fit. He brings a strong presense to the screen which is what Bronson did You can’t put Michael Douglas or Harrison Ford in a role like that You need someone that will make impact who has substance . Stallone has it all for this role. Bronson the loaner approach you see him walking the streets quiet man turmoil inside of him, I can see Stallone carrying off this character . You saw his demeaner in COPLAND , you see the powerful strength and im not talking just about ROCKY or RAMBO its the edge he has the fire in the pit of his stomach, the way he comes across the screen. He can be explosive or quiet and into himself. His ruggedness and his posture a feeling of being a bit weathered a toll that has been taken on him, yet strong and not willing to lay around and have his candle fade out. All traights Broson portrayed in the film. Yet Stallone would bring a bit more liveliness that I found Bronson showed differently, he was more subdued sad lonely but Stallone would take it to greater heights you’d see it in his emotions and features .

Kudo’s to the person who thought of Stallone for this roll he can pull this off.

Save a ticket for me count me in.

And how about a sequel to Demolition Man or Tango and Cash? Those were big hits and great films.