Rocky Balboa - ITV4

Sylvester Stallone returns to the role that first made his name over three decades ago

Sylvester Stallone returns to the role that first made his name over three decades ago.

He may be almost a pensioner and a bit chunky and crinkly, but proves he’s still in fighting fit shape.

Rocky’s now a widower running a restaurant in Philadelphia but, with the help of his old pal Paulie (Burt Young), gets a chance for a comeback exhibition match against current heavyweight champ Antonio Tarver.

Before that, you have to watch Rocky mourn his dead wife, make good with his stroppy son and cosy up to a single mum from the old neighbourhood.

It’s ridiculous, of course, but Sly's a winner all the way and this warm, soapy drama, climaxing with a fantastic fight, is a real crowd-pleaser.