There's little sense in criticizing its weaknesses...the picture is fool-proof

Rating: 8/10 (14 March 2009)

A million-to-one shot for both the character Rocky Balboa and the writer-actor who created him, Sylvester Stallone (who fought against the usual Hollywood belief system that a "star" should play the lead). This is the original Cinderella Man, a boxing story wherein the final outcome doesn't matter so much because the training montage already has the protagonist (and the audience) bursting with exhilaration. Low-life, good-hearted Phillie boxer Rocky is invited to go the distance with the heavyweight champion, a show-off in the Muhammad Ali mold. The human dynamics--with Rocky's aged trainer, his mousy sweetheart and her loud-mouthed brother--nearly turn the early scenes of the picture into a replay of a "Playhouse 90" sketch, and the boxing choreography and cinematography are both disappointing. However, when Stallone takes to the streets in his workout sweats, and Bill Conti's music floods the screen (the equivalent of a cheering section), all is forgiven. Stallone's writing is basic, however he does allow his characters to take shape--and he stays out of their way in the process. This is something he failed to do in the "Rocky" sequels, and why this one is obviously the best of the series. ***1/2 from ****