Adrian was originally in the "Rocky Balboa" script, but Talia Shire and Stallone both agreed that Rocky would not have the "beast inside [him]" - the rage he needed to fight again - if Adrian was still there. Rocky would be totally happy running the restaurant with her and would have no reason or purpose to fight. They also felt they couldn't let her die IN the film because the audience wouldn't be able to cope with the loss. So Adrian becomes the main character of "Balboa" while simultaneously being an offscreen presence - a ghostly memory - throughout. Talia was already penciled in to be in the movie so when Stallone made the script change he made sure she got her full pay and was given full screen credit through archival footage. Talia Shire did a number of interviews and press for the film at the time of "Balboa's" release (she was at the premiere with Stallone) where she was asked if she felt angry for not being in the film. Talia replied, "I am in it... The whole movie is about ME."

Bunnytals, Rocky did it for you. Rocky did it for all of us.

At 70, I hate it when I get doors slammed in my face because of my age. I'm still working and have no plans for retirement I understand how Rocky feels.

Rocky V was supposed to be the last movie, but the fans wanted a different ending to the saga. Then came Rocky Balboa and it was like the lovely ribbon on a beautifully wrapped gift. It went full circle and took us back to the beginning and ended the story on the same note. I thinks the fans needed this film. A perfect ending.

I love the motivational speech by Rocky to his son. If you hit a rough patch in life, just listen to that speech. It will inspire you to keep striving forward.

As a lifelong Rocky fan who grew up with the franchise, I thought this was a fantastic way to end the series. Stallone himself felt Rocky V was a letdown and wanted to make it up to the fans and to the character. I remember bawling my eyes out when I saw this in the theater. I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Wonderful journey with you.

This movie is all about pain, something you learn the older you get. In a "good" way. The speech to his son really gets to me. "Life isnt a buch of roses. Its cold and cruel and will beat you to your knees if you LET it." This speech means a lot to me. 😪

Old Duke was a nice little gem I enjoyed. Dude still looked like he could beat down guys half his age. :)

“Let’s start building some hurtin’ bombs.” Saw this when it came out. The theater was full of young guys who I thought were there to make fun of the movie, but when Duke said that line they CHEERED louder than any theater I’ve been in I believe. A truly great theater moment for me.

Paulie is ashamed of how he treated Adrian,that's the same spider Rico but not the same little marie

My ex-wife and I saw this opening night in a packed theater. She cried for most of the film. But at the end the entire theater was on our feet, cheering and chanting "Rocky."

I always identify with R6 Rocky the most these days. I miss my Courtney so much. 1987 - 2014

Spider, the tall guy that did the dishes in the restaurant, was the guy Rocky fought at the very beginning of Rocky

Please see the deleted scenes for this too when you've got a chance. Enjoyed your reaction, Bunny! You're not blabbering Rocky V is essential to the character development. So, it's the last time that we see and hear Adrian on screen. Rocky had to come to terms with NOT being the champ and making do with what you have. He felt like a failure as a man to his wife and family for being unable to give them rich gifts as he once did. Was that ever resolved? Now in this story his grief and anger have turned into a beast since he doesn't have his true love and only "cornerman" Adrian. BunnyTails! You did GREAT!!

Bunny's watching another Rocky film. Cue the ugly snot crying.

This movie was so underrated. It was a perfect, but bittersweet ending. I especially love the scenes with his son talking about getting hit hard in life and getting back up.

When "Rocky Balboa" was announced, I remember not having very high hopes for it. Wow, was I wrong. This movie is surprisingly great. It is the perfect epilogue for the Rocky franchise. It's honestly difficult for me where I want to rank it, but I place it at the high side for the franchise. It's much more than just nostalgia, it's a great movie. A lot of movie making decisions could have gone wrong, but they didn't. Little Marie was a friend and not a love interest - perfect. There was an alternate ending where Rocky won the split decision, and that didn't have anywhere near the same impact. It would have ruined what the message was about. Rocky ended as he started. He went the distance, and didn't care that he lost. -- There is an extended version that adds more depth to Paulie's character (in a "movie positive" way). -- Rocky's motivational speech to his son was absolute Gold. -- Those turtles were the same Cuff & Link from the first Rocky. They are Stallone's pets and turtles live a long time. -- Stallone was 59 during shooting, and so was his Rocky character -- Spider Rico is the same actor that played Spider Rico that head-butted Rocky at the beginning of the first Rocky movie.

Yo! Bunnytails! You did it!!! Excellent reaction and commentary.

Stallone was on his A game when writing the rocky speeches this movie

Rocky Balboa was the perfect ending to this story. When my (now ex) wife and I attended this on opening night, the entire theater, ourselves included, we were all on our feet chanting "Rocky! Rocky! Rocky!"

This is my favorite film out of the series. It still has heart but Rocky shows how much knowledge he's gained in life by some of his sayings

Yeah, for all his flaws, Paulie always had Rocky's back. He even jumped into the ring to take on Thunder Lips when Rocky was in trouble. Thats a true friend.

This was the best reaction of this movie I've seen. I love that you were so passionate towards Rocky and Adrian. And how emotional you got during the fight.

Nothing is cooler than Sinatra singing High Hopes

30 years after the first Rocky and still going strong. Very rare for a franchise. Actually, I can't really thing of any other than this one.

I loved all of the sequels leading up to Rocky Balboa. But thanks to that speech he gives his son about winning in life, Rocky Balboa is on a whole other level as far as im concerned. That is some of the best writing and acting of Sylvester Stallones career. That is one of the best, most honest and inspiring speeches ever put in a movie.

10:45 It was Milo Ventimiglia, who was playing Peter Petrelli in Heroes at the time. At the 17 minute mark, there was a pretty powerful deleted scene with Paulie talking about Adrian dying.

AWESOME REACTION! Adrian was in the movie - and the memory of her never died. You're right about this movie getting done so well - that you feel like #1 through #5 ended yesterday and you and Rocky have had no break in the continuity. You 're just continuing on the journey with "Rocky" to the first 2 "Creed" movies. God bless you and yours. You got a "like".

No one gives credit to the trainer Duke. He should have gotten more character development throughout the series. He loved and stood by Apollo until he died, then he loved and stood by Rocky until the end. Love your reactions Bunny, you really analyze the movies you react to. I do feel this Rocky should have showed although he loved Adrian, life goes on and Little Marie, a girl the hated him would be his new Adrian in a different way, now that he is older.

"yo Adrian we did it"

Another great reaction Bunnytails 🙏🏼 alot of people have used that "the whole world aint sunshine and rainbows" quite in real life. The guy who played his son here isnt Stallone son in real life even tho alot of people keep saying he is one of Stallones sons. Robert in rocky 5 was still alive when this was made, he died in 2012, his other son who played baby Robert in Rocky 2 he still alive living with his mom. The reason Rocky came out to "high hopes" by Frank Sinatra cause Pauly wanted them to play it for Rocky. Boxers they get to decide what music they come out to. Interesting fact: The Judge who didnt want to give Rocky a license was Rocky's lawyer in Rocky 5 who told him about the going broke.

Watching Rocky 1-6 along with reactors is certainly an experience. I grew up watching these films and into adulthood. It's weird watching time fly by over a series of reaction videos so quickly. It really puts things into perspective doesn't it?

I am a huge fan of ALL the Rocky movies. Thanks for the reviews! They are all kind of about that "eye of the Tiger" thing!

I felt the same as you. I found that when I watched Rock I and then skipped to Rocky VI, it melded together so well that it was like one movie, as if all there was was a subtitle that said "30 years later . . .".

Thank you for sharing our memories with you and your beautiful heart with us. We love you kid

Thank you for sharing your reactions to this series. I can't remember now if I watched "Rocky" in the theater, but that's where I first saw all of the sequels.

This and the fourth Rambo film helped revive Sylvester Stallone's career. After Rambo, he starred in the Expendables franchise, the Escape Plan trilogy, Bullet to the Head, Rambo: Last Blood, the Creed films and Tulsa King. I also recommend watching Grudge Match

Bunny... I'm not sure if anyone else has mentioned it, but the music playing at the fight as Rocky entered the venue was Paulie's doing. Thanks for a great reaction.

Paulie's character arc finally happened in this film.

17:43 Try to find the deleted scenes and alternate ending for this movie. There's a BEAUTIFUL one in particular that takes place in this alley. It will add to your "Paulie has so many layers upon layers" belief.

Rocky Balboa is the greatest movie character in history of cinema.

Milo Ventimiglia plays Rocky's son in this. He previously was prominent in the TV series, "Heroes."

7:18 - No, it's not the same actress that played Marie in the first film. That was Jodi Letizia. She actually returned as Marie in a deleted scene in Rocky V. You can still catch glimpses of her during the final street fight.

Recommendation: "Cinderella Man". Like "Rocky", it's a boxing movie that's not really about boxing. It's an incredible true story and has a ton of heart and love. The best sports movies aren't about sports, they're about people. I think you'll like it.

Yep, it was a great way to wrap it all up and give us the closure we needed. Almost 30 years after the first one came out. Think about that! And of all the actors to "go the distance" ... PAULIE is there right to the end. And he was excellent in this. When you see him in other things, he's actually not much different than "Paulie". Suffice to say, I think most of what we get on screen is the man himself. Oh wait ... Apollo's trainer was there as well. He's been great from the very beginning. Thoroughly enjoy your movie and Star-Trek reactions (yeah I'm old). I think you should do more. I'll throw down the gauntlet here ... how about 2001 A SPACE ODYSSEY. The grand-daddy of all science-fiction films - the one that set the standard for ALL that followed. Let's go!

I agree. Rocky V, despite its faults, is indispensable. Can't wait to see your Creed reactions. DO NOT WAIT TOO LONG.

It’s not over though for Rocky as he continues in the Creed series!!

What a journey!! Love your emotion in these reactions.

Rocky changed my life

Balboa is my 2nd fav movie of the franchise behind the original. Your point about Marie's thinking she's not enough and is suspect of Rocky's generosity is very similar to Rocky finding that shy, very closed-up Adrian in the original movie. I agree that he sees them in different ways, but he sees the side of each that has been hidden away. It likely comes from his hard climb to becoming the boxer he struggled to be. No one thought he could be anything great in the beginning. That monologue that he threw at Robert remains, for me, a stand-out bit of writing and acting in the entire franchise. Enjoyed re-watching those moments with ya. Great vid. Cheers

Now you need to watch the alternative ending where Rocky wins the split decision.

Classic rocky....Thank you Miss sweet bunny, your reactions are the best mam🙂

Regarding the statue: they put that up originally as a set piece for one of the Rocky movies and left it up as a tourist thing. After the series "ended" with Rocky V, the city took it down. This movie worked around the statue not being there anymore for the steps scene. The statue has since been put back in a different location as a permanent addition.

Absolutely enjoyed watching the Rocky franchise with you. I can't wait for you to see the CREED series! My favorite were the first two. Your going to LOVE! Can't wait!! 🥊🥊❣️

This film is an emotional roller coaster ❤and one of the best in the series. Sly won the Golden Globe for supporting actor for creed but also should have won for RB❤

Pauley: This is the last round of your life.

Great reaction again to a Rocky movie. I particularly like that you recognise the layers in Paulie. I feel a lot of reactors don't.

To me RocKy Balboa(6), ot of all Rockies, life speech that he gives, I think I have not see any better speeches about the world then these one " The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It's a very mean and nasty place, and I don't care how tough you are, it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't about how hard you hit, it's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done!"

no matters how many times i se that movie i always cry like a baby hehe

Imagine having to endure three whole decades before getting this finale!

3:31 Spider Rico was the man Rocky was fighting during the opening scene of the first film...played by the same guy.

Written, directed and starring Sylvester Stallone. There so many moments in this movie that tugs on your heartstrings. And being a person who saw the first 'Rocky' in the theater when it came out, I grew up with the character. #1, 2 and this sixth movie has so much heart. If you live long enough, you do learn that nothing hit you harder than life. Getting up is hard, although we got only one life to live, and we need to make it count...that's life.

Really good commentary from you on this one. I think this film parallels real life. Everybody underestimated this movie, just like they underestimated Rocky. It's the best of the 5 sequels in my opinion, there's a lot of heart in this one.

7:22 Nope, it's not the same actress. The original actress is named Jodi Letizia. She was called back for "Rocky V" but her scenes were cut from the film, so when she was asked to come back for THIS movie, she refused. This actress is named Geraldine Hughes, who is from Belfast, Ireland and she speaks with a very strong Irish accent in real life.

24:16 Fun Fact: The guy playing Mason Dixon (Antonio Tarver) was, at the time of filming this, the current boxing champion.

31:29 The three girls running up the stairs right here are Scarlet, Sistine and Sophia Stallone. Sylvester's daughters.

Wonderful. This movie surprised me when I first got into the Rocky movies. Sly Stallone just does these breakdowns again and again with something real of his own. He's not just a Schwarzenegger type action man. And in the spirit of Stallone....I would recommend First Blood.

This movie had no right being as good as it is! Probably the best sequel of the franchise.

This movie is incredible. Rocky's breakdown in the meat-house with Paulie...destroying

Every woman needs a Rocky and every man hopes to find an Adrian!

Punchy is short for Punch-Drunk, which refers to the the way people tend to act when they've sustained a brain injury from too many punches or concussions.

When it first came out on DVD in 2006, I rented it, after I saw that Adrian was already dead, I turned off the DVD and didn't watch the rest of it, I brought it back to the rental store, a month later I rented it again and made it through the whole movie the 2nd time

Your reactions to the Rocky movies has been some of the best I've ever seen. Thank you and I look forward to watching you doing the Creed movies.

Awesome reaction to this particular film - definitely in the TOP 3 that have seen from other reactor persons. Can remember when this movie came out but really do not remember any type of marketing for it. Went to the local theater one day after an appointment and saw the poster displayed. Figured what the heck and went into the theater. Do remember lot of the audience cracking jokes and making fun of this movie even BEFORE it started to play. Well, can say that throughout the movie the theater quieted down and this movie had everyone's attention - not a peep could be heard. At the end, everyone was cheering and talking about how awesome this movie was. I didn't expect much from this movie either because throughout the 1980s-1990s there would be jokes in other movies about the "Rocky" series, so was not really expecting much. After the movie - definitely TIED with the first one, then #2 & #3 TIED as well.

At 23:42, the song is all about beating impossible odds. It’s just so old school it sounds like a kid song.. It is Frank Sinatra High Hopes. Pauline picked it.

I don't remember this movie hitting so hard the last time I watched it. 😭

I liked how the opponent in this isn’t really a villain at all. Yeah he thinks he can easily beat Rocky, but who wouldn’t think that in this case?

Burt Young is dead now. Fortunately I met him before he died. I was working for a hospital and he came into the ER. There was no fanfare. He had one person with him, a woman, and she was much younger than him. He was admitted for a couple days and released. While he was in the lobby by himself in a wheelchair, I walked over to him and asked for his signature. All I had was a white piece of paper and he signed it. Was always amazed that he didn’t have more folks coming up to him. Many of the staff knew who he was but didn’t pay much mind to it. I suppose people walking around him didn’t recognize him or simply didn’t care. Anyway, he was a great character. I’ll have to get a frame for the signature one day and hang it.

Another one I need to watch, really enjoyed your reaction and it looks like a really good and gripping movie!

Thank you for reacting to my favorite movie by far in THE WHOLE Rocky saga, including the Creed trilogy!!! Love your reactions!!!

I said it before & i'll say it again you're one of the sweetest reactors to the Rocky Franchise i've seen,you're gonna love the "Creed' Movies as well. Also Talia Shire "Adrian" got involved in Filmmaking during the 80's with her late husband Jack Schwartzman (R.I.P) in 3 different movies 🎬 🎞 the most memorable for me was the movie "Rad"(1986) with Bill Allen & Lori Loughlin i recommend it & see how you like her from a filmmaking standpoint

It was Paulie who picked Rocky’s music as he’s entering the ring.

Rocky is oblivious to the fact that these walkthroughs might be Hell for Paulie.

Knowing you were doing another Rocky reaction I went out and bought plenty of onions. From start to finish I was cutting up onions. I swear it was the onions!!

Great film...great actors. The Rocky saga is all to be seen and reviewed. But I don't like seeing you cry.. Bunny..sei Meravigliosa 🌹

Paulie chose the music for Rocky before the fight 😊

Since nobody said it i will. Rocky's opponent is and actual multiple champion of the world Antonio Tarver!!!

i've always felt like robert had a legit issue, he was just focusing the anger about it at the wrong way. the right thing to do would be step out from rocky's shadow and be the best him he could be instead of blaming his dad.

This film had heart like rocky 1 and 2

I was 5 years old when Rocky 5 came out, so needless to say i never got a chance to see the original movies in the theater. Growing up, I watched those five movies over and over on TV and loved every minute of them. When 6 was announced I was ecstatic. I saw Rocky Balboa in the theater on my 21st birthday in 2006, bawled my eyes out, and could not have asked for a better birthday.

Can you imagine if they showed Adrian's death on screen? Wooooooow! I know it's all allergies, right? Lol! Nah, the theaters would've been soaking wet.

Funny to me that reactors often don’t get Dixon’s manager’s “he’d kill him” means Rocky would beat him. Never occurred to me he meant anything else. I think it’s partly to show they don’t necessarily think too much about their client.

Thumbs up from your Trek fan club!

One constant thing throughout all the Rocky movies was him projecting his heart in many ways and giving the idea of fighting in real life. Getting back up if you fall. This was a very good close to the Rocky series. If there's more bring it on.😀

Rocky was at a point where he was losing everyone and everything he ever had. Mickey, Adrian appollo, the gym, the place he met Adrian, his son was distant. He was just trying to hold on to anything from his past. That's how I always saw it. I didn't like the kiss scene but I brushed it off.

Did you see the deleted scene with Paulie and rocky at the restaurant. It fills in the blank in the incomplete scene where he run off angry. It was truly a bad removal

I love you Rocky!!

Beautiful reaction

Talia Shire (Adrian) is still alive and seems to be doing well. Reportedly, Stallone killed off the character to "give Rocky a sense of desperation and widened the gap between him and his son." For the longest time, I assumed she wasn't in the movie because the actor died. I want you to know she is fine.

12:20 Yep, Punchy is an insult. It basically means "dumb".