Rocky Balboa, Infused With Faith And Values And A Family-Focused Plot, Opens With Overwhelming Response From Faith Community And Church Leaders 
 

LOS ANGELES, CA (ANS) – In a movie that some are calling a powerful allegory of faith, Sylvester Stallone returns as Rocky Balboa, for the sixth and final episode of the “Rocky” series, telling the uncompromising story of victory, failure and “fighting the good fight.” The wholesome, family-friendly film (rated PG) releases wednesday through MGM, in theaters nationwide.

“As someone who began listening on the call as a giggling skeptic and who does not expect Rocky Balboa to be heralded as a Christian film, I have to confess I was won over by the real-life story of redemption I heard. I’m believin’ it.” - Stuart Shepard, Managing Editor of Focus on the Family’s www.Citizenlink.com.

Like its Rocky predecessors, Rocky Balboa is a story of impossible odds, self sacrifice, integrity and hard work, as the character’s “warrior spirit” fights to let go of the past and believe in those who believe in him, for one final round with a formidable opponent.

Although Hollywood has recently taken note of values-based films that include elements of faith, the 30-year-old Rocky story displayed these concepts long before the media was paying attention. Today, Stallone brings back what has long been there in the heart of Rocky.

“This one will hopefully bring forward Rocky’s more spiritual side,” Stallone says. “I really love this character, he’s a part of me and I’m longing to bring him back.”

Rocky Balboa, the character created by Sylvester Stallone, became a present-day symbol for those who venture to go the distance in life, who risk making their dreams a reality, and whose unyielding faith brings them to their destiny. Viewed by Stallone as a “20th Century gladiator in a pair of sneakers,” Rocky Balboa carries on the heroism, dignity, courage and soul that have made the movies the greatest “underdog” stories of our time.

With faith and values being a rarity in Hollywood’s action films, Rocky Balboa breaks the mold as an inspirational, family-friendly experience that depicts a man who honorably answers the call in his life. As the retired Rocky returns to the ring with “something left to give,” despite his aging body, we are urged to look within ourselves and find the courage to fight our own personal struggles through perseverance, support, and prayer.

“I recommend you to see it. Great movie and a lot of life application as it relates to our faith.” - Bob Cavinder, Crystal Cathedral.

“Life is hard, and faith can help us to face some of those challenges and issues in our past. You see Rocky do that throughout the movies but particularly it comes to kind of a peak in this movie and it was exciting to see.” - Jud Wilhite, Senior Pastor, Central Christian Church in Las Vegas, Nevada

Building on these themes, Motive Entertainment, the company which has spearheading the most significant faith-based marketing initiatives for Hollywood blockbusters, including “The Passion” and “The Chronicles of Narnia,” has decided to turn its attention to Rocky.

“As longstanding Rocky fans, we thought it would be great to put together a selection of Rocky resources that faith and family leaders can use as preaching and teaching tools,” says Paul Lauer, President of Motive Entertainment. “Rocky Balboa is a beautiful film – one that all Rocky fans should see, especially people of faith, because it’s a powerful parable of our spiritual lives – our victories, our falls, and the importance of getting back up and persevering to the end.”

For more information, go to: www.rockyresources.com