'Rocky' cliched, of course, but still has legs

ROCKY BALBOA — ** 1/2 — Sylvester Stallone, Burt Young, Milo Ventimiglia; rated PG (violence, profanity, vulgarity, brief gore, racial epithets, brief drugs); Century Sandy and South Salt Lake; Jordan Landing; Megaplex Gateway, Jordan Commons and the District

As expected, "Rocky Balboa" is pretty cornball, cliched and predictable. Yet there's more life than you might think in the old war horse — both the character and the concept.

This formulaic sports drama is sort of like cinematic comfort food. It may not be good for you, but it does go down surprisingly smooth, and with next to no stomach upset.

This sixth "Rocky" may not be the equal of the original 1976 film (an Oscar winner for Best Picture), but it is miles better than the excruciating fourth and fifth movies in the series — if for no other reason than its worthwhile message about the importance of family and the merits of hard work.

As with "Rocky" versions II-IV, Sylvester Stallone wrote and directed this one (John G. Avildsen directed "Rocky" I and V). He also reprises his role as former heavyweight boxing champ Rocky Balboa, who is still mourning the death 10 years earlier of his wife, Adrian (Talia Shire, seen in flashbacks).

Rocky hasn't completely given up on living; just boxing. That is until sports commentators begin a debate about the merits of Balboa, "The Italian Stallion," and the current undefeated champion, Mason "The Line" Dixon (Antonio Tarver).

The flashy Dixon is unpopular with fans, so his managers try to lure Rocky back into the ring, for an exhibition bout, a glorified sparring session. They're taking it lightly, though our hero begins training in earnest so he won't embarrass himself.

There's never really any doubt about how the fight is going to go. And yet, when Bill Conte's classic, brass-heavy score begins to swell, even the most hard-hearted moviegoers will likely be stirred a bit.

Still, the film's best moments come when the character is out of the ring, in subplots that explore Rocky's relationship with his son (Milo Ventimiglia, from TV's "Heroes") and a single mother (Geraldine Hughes).

As for Stallone's performance, he's smart enough not to try to do too much dramatic heavy lifting. And as the film's director, he's also smart enough to let real-life boxing champion Tarver do most of his talking in the ring.

"Rocky Balboa" is rated PG for scenes of boxing violence (some of it a bit bloody), use of profanity, crude slang and racial epithets, and some brief drug content (use of painkillers and references). Running time: 102 minutes.

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E-mail: jeff@desnews.com