Unmatched, brilliant, an absolute masterpiece of cinema history

Rating: 10/10 (26 December 2006)

Many wonder how Sylvester Stallone got his film career but anyone who has truly seen and loved "Rocky" knows exactly how. Stallone created and wrote the entire story and character of Rocky Balboa, who turns out to be one of the great cinema characters of all time and even though as a kid I always loved the sequels even more than the original...looking back nothing compares to this original classic where Stallone completely embodies this 'underdog' character. Rocky is so incredible lovable and relate-able and you just can't get enough and you become so completely fascinated with his life and his romance and everything he has done to fight his way to the top that by the time the match comes about you are practically on your feet rooting for him. Add to that the gritty, and melancholy setting of Philladelphia projects that begin to feel just like home as it is for Rocky. Stallone has always said that 'Rocky' was more than anything else a love story between him and Adrien and it really is now that I watch it for the purpose of reviewing it. Everything that happens in his life is for her and he adores her and his simple minded, laid back manner mixed with his brute strength and determination is unparalleled in films.
Sylvester Stallone not only wrote the screenplay but takes the infamous lead as Rocky Balboa. It might be one of the greatest performance I have ever seen because Stallone IS Balboa, no one could EVER replace him in this role. He has the personality, and the little things that make Rocky so real and so incredibly likable. He is the most unlikely hero and yet at the same time one the greatest heroes. I don't know how he wasn't awarded the Oscars who was nominated for (Two one in acting and one in writing that year) but it was sheer robbery because he was amazing!! But don't count out this incredible ensemble cast including Talia Shire as the shy and constantly changing Adrian Pennino, who goes through an incredible metamorphosis in personality and life style as she falls in love with this rough around the edges fighter who never gives up...especially on her. Shire never quite captured the original spirit she put into her performance as Adrien. Burt Young also never did such an amazing job as he did with his original performance as brash, violent, outspoken and alcoholic brother of Adrien, Paulie. He is one of the most memorable supporting characters and his performance is brilliant. Burgess Meredith is a classic performer in his role as angry, tough as nails trainer Mickey Goldmill who treats Rocky like crap but only in the end to show it's for his own good. Meredith complements Stallone's soft spoken and non-confrontational Rocky. And Carl Weathers is amazing as Rocky's ultimate foe, the best of the best in professional boxing and basically the polar opposite of Balboa's personality Apollo Creed. Creed is loud, and flamboyant and fast and conceited and on top of that all he really has the skill. Weathers looks like a true pro in the ring and makes it all look like a real fight.
Now let's talk about that fight. Every Rocky film builds up to "THE FIGHT" but nothing compares to the build up for that original fight against Creed and when it finally breaks it's like everything else stops. You move to the edge of your seat, you yell at the screen, you cheer and cringe and every move is brilliantly choreographed. No real life boxing fight could ever be as intense as Creed and Balboa bashing it out like two men with desire like no other fighters. The fight is what brings tears to my eyes every single time this film makes me cry!! If the rest of the film is a 7 the fight alone rages it up to a 10/10. But the rest of the film is not a 7, it's such a vital part of the entire story and understanding everyone and it does unfold a little slowly but every piece is so meticulously and brilliantly created. And I can't conclude without mentioning the score. The music is something Rocky is also famous for and that Academy Award nominated song is enough to bring tears to your eyes just listening to it. This entire film is brilliant and classic and if you're reading this and have never seen it you have no idea what you're missing. It's one of the most subtly brilliant and entertaining films of all time, hands down. 10/10