Review of Rocky (57)

Plot
A small time boxer gets a once in a lifetime chance to fight the heavyweight champ in a bout in which he strives to go the distance for his self-respect.

Jason's Thoughts
Before battles with Mr. T, before battles with Russians, and before a birthday cake carrying robot, there was just Rocky, plain and simple.  I haven't seen the original Rocky movie in quite some time, but I have repeatedly watched the sequels it spawned to the point that I forgot on how great this movie really is.

When you think of the Rocky franchise you immediately think of boxing.  When you watch Rocky, though, you see that this movie in particular is not about boxing as much as it is about a boxer.  It is a gritty look at a normal guy who is well known and well liked in his neighborhood and is about to get a chance of a lifetime in a title match in his hometown.

Rocky knows himself that he has little chance of winning, but that doesn't stop him from giving it his best shot.  Instead of just going out there just to make some quick money that comes with the fight, he actually begins to train to make the most of the opportunity that has presented itself.  In the end, Rocky is able to go toe-to-toe for 15 rounds with the champ although he loses the match by a split decision.

The movie doesn't have that Hollywood-style ending to it, yet it still leaves you with a good feeling at the end as Rocky was able to rise to the occasion and defy the odds that were stacked up against him.  Actually, Rocky doesn't have any Hollywood glitz or glam in it whatsoever, especially when it is compared to the movies that followed it.  There is also very little boxing featured in this movie when compared to the rest.

What surprised me the most of this movie, though, was the fact that it was written by Rocky himself, Sylvester Stallone.  It's not something you'd expect to come from a guy is usually typecast as an action movie star.  There is no denying, though, that it is a good story and deserved to win Best Picture in 1977.

Crystal's Thoughts
To me, Rocky is a truly inspiring movie no matter how many times you have seen it.  I think that is what puts this movie on one of the best of all times.  Of course, there is Sylvester Stallone too.  The entire cast is amazing in this film in their acting.  It pulls you in and makes you feel as if you either know the character or can so closely relate to the character that you are part of it.  While watching Rocky, you are consumed by the storyline that the actors do a phenomenal job delivering.

I also appreciated the trueness the movie held to portraying the city of Philadelphia. While I have never been there and can't say it was completely accurate, I do feel that those Phillies would be proud of how the city was shown on the big screen, the good and the ugly.  I was left with a sense that I sort of knew the city a bit after finishing the film.

Of course I am sure we'd all like to see Rocky pull out the victory in the end, but I like the fact that he doesn't.  It is different from the norm and how movies typically end.  It shows that a film can end differently but yet positively.  And of course, I am sure it ended this way to open the door for so many more of the Rocky movies that followed. While I don't frequently participate in Jason's movie marathons, perhaps it is time I suggested one of my own and make it a Rocky one. 

Comments