I wanted to love this film, but...

Rating: Null/10 (22 May 2000)

I really wanted to love this film but I didn't. The problem is that I didn't see enough of Rocky's rise to the fight. I want to know what he goes through to get to the big event. There simply isn't enough to make me cheer for Rocky.
Why would Apollo want to fight someone like Rocky? It's not realistic.
I didn't feel sorry for Rocky or his girlfriend. The 2nd act required beefing up. Some of the film is terrific. I love the gritty city, it looks very realistic at times, a dirty city. The direction is good. But the script required beefing up in the middle. The performances are good. This isn't about boxing, but the rise of a hero from the slums of life. I wished it work better!