A Masterpiece! One of the best.

Rating: 10/10 (29 June 2011)

Considered one of the greatest movies of all time, it still lives up to itself today. Beginning from a masterpiece best picture winner to a popular 70's and 80's franchise, this film goes to no boundaries of greatness. It, along with its followers, are all brilliant. Definitely one of the best franchises ever!
The story centers on south paw boxer tough guy Rocky Balboa,(Sylvester Stallone) who although gets paid doing boxing matches here and there, along with collecting money for a collector, can't make anything out of his career, or his life. Then, he finally gets his chance at turning his life around when he is challenged by Heavy Weight Champion Apollo Creed, who gives him the one shot at the biggest title in history. Rocky then prepares himself for the fight of his life, with his trainer Mickey, (Burgess Meredith), and his girlfriend, Adrian, (Talia Shire).
The movie outdoes itself in almost every area. Its editing, directing, casting/acting, and just everything else in general. It gives itself an emotional feel, letting you feel comfortable with the movie, and feeling for the characters. Half the movie shows what Rocky's life is like everyday, showing his everyday activities. Then, the other half consists of being challenged, and getting prepared.
The characters are some of best, classic characters of all time. Stallone gives an amazing Oscar nominated performance, along with a top billing cast. Talia Shire, as Adrian, gives a great performance as Rocky's incredibly shy, but very supporting girlfriend. Burt Young as Paulie, (Adrian's sister) plays a very bitter character as a abusively angered brother who always likes to yell. Burgess Meredith, as Rocky's bitter and broken down mentor, Mickey, is one of the most classic and greatest performances of all time. Mickey is an icon of movies, and he just completes the drama in the Rocky movies.
The build up to the fight is also amazing, for you are rooting for Rocky all the way, and seeing him tense and nervous, just makes you wanna see him go all the way. Although the opponent, Apollo Creed, (Carl Weathers) isn't considered a bad guy, you still wanna see Rocky beat him down.
The film is the absolute classic underdog film that is brilliant to no end. It is and will always be considered one of the best films ever made, especially in my book. Its epic, its amazing, and it will have you on your feet to the very end.