Get motivated, by a person whose life was a million-to-one shot!

Rating: Null/10 (16 May 2002)

When you are watching a movie, what are the reason for doing so? Well I say it is for three reasons. One to entertain you, two to make you happy and thirdly (and I say the most important of all) to motivate you. That is what Rocky does, it motivates, and motivates in all aspects of it as well. Rocky is a very down and out sort of character, and film for that matter. I am sure many moviegoers could relate to this character, thus making Rocky the people's' sort of film.
Rocky is a Philadelphia club fighter who seems to be going nowhere, but as fate would have it, World Heavyweight Champion Apollo Creed chooses him to be his next opponent. For Creed, the match is little more than exhibition, but for Rocky it is a shot at the big time. While preparing for the bout under the watchful eye of his trainer Mickey, Rocky romances Adrian, a shy young woman who exposes the tenderness beneath his tough exterior. Their love blossoms as the fight approaches, giving Rocky even more strength and purposes to go the distance' against his brutal adversary.

This film was a tremendous piece of cinematography in my view. Though it won an academy award for best picture at the Oscars, I believe it do so for more reasons than just because of the actual film. Sylvester Stallone has had a somewhat inconsistent career, but with this story, he proved that he had some sort of talent. His script was as powerful a story that I can remember watching. I am glad that we have a movie like this today because if we didn't, I truly believe we would be more the loser for it. Inventing a character such as Rocky Balboa, was ingenious, but then to actually play the lead title was magnificent.
As a viewer, I felt that Stallone was somewhat of an inexperienced actor back in 1976, and I am sure he would admit this to be the case. However, I feel that this made the Rocky character all the more endearing and someone who audiences could cheer with all their might for. Since the Rocky franchise, Stallone has done some good and bad work. Probably his other famous character would have to be Rambo, where again his character steals the limelight, but proves that anything can be done!
His onscreen girlfriend, Adrian, was portrayed by Talia Shire. She was a great choice as the shy woman, who helps the hero out and also brings out his soft side. Their onscreen relationship for me was really impressive, as they show people how a real relationship should work. That being the case, the final scene of this Rocky is so pivotal, as it has Rocky and Adrian wanting to be with each other, though most fighters would be more worried about the result of the fight.
Rocky's trainer Mickey, was played by legend actor Burgess Meredith. I remember him in the TV series of Batman, as the notorious Penguin. However I feel that his role in Rocky was incredible, showing movie fans how good an actor he is. Rocky's opponent in the ring was Apollo Creed who was performed by Carl Weathers. His character was very cocky and confident, showing that he only wants to fight the `Italian Stallion' for the fun of it. He was in for a horrible shock when he steps into the ring. Weathers has been in movies such as Predator, Little Nicky and Happy Gilmore. One character that I found to be a little peculiar in this movie, was Adrian's brother Paulie, acted by Burt Young. He was a very rude and arrogant person, who takes advantage of his sister and his friend, whether it be for his lifestyle or his pocket.
There are many poignant scenes in Rocky, none more so than when Rocky and his trainer Mickey are talking in his apartment. They are both very scared to commit to each other, however when Rocky believes Mickey has left and realises he hasn't, the tough man just retreats back into his bathroom. Many of the scenes that Rocky has with Adrian are fundamental to what happens to Rocky in the ring. I especially love the scene when Rocky makes a move on Adrian. The fight between Apollo and Rocky is also well shot and gives the audience the feeling that they are actually there watching the bout.
So, there is not much more I can say about one of the 70's most powerful movies, as it is up there with movies such as Star Wars, Superman American Graffiti, One who flew over the Cuckoo's nest and the scary Jaws. Rocky is a character, that I am sure everyone could relate to, whether it is playing a sport, working in a job or studying at school, as his dedication to being the best he could be is inspirational. The musical score that Rocky has is as powerful as the Italian Stallion' himself, with it being known all over the world. If you can not take something away from this award-winning movie than you are not a true movie lover!
Rating: 4.5 Stars or 9.5 out of 10