Schlocky

Rating: 5/10 (21 April 2011)

The most memorable moment in Rocky is the love-scene between and Adrian, both steaming the otherwise fetid room with such clean passion that it surpasses all cardinal passions. Adrian first tries to resists; an act shy but with slow excitement, then acquiesces and lastly is enticed. Rocky slowly allures kisses and then makes love. Both connect emotionally, nullifying each other's weaknesses. The problem is that 'this' is the best scene in the movie, while the 'action' and the 'sport' which should succeed, sag. This kind of movies should be a little unpolished but not indecisive. Rocky made me feel like watching just a sweet romance rather than an action, an underdog story. It more seems like Boxing Practice 101. Rule 1: Gulp down six raw eggs Rule 2: Jog a mile or ten!
I've simply adored Million Dollar Baby for its guts, but mainly its balance of action and drama. The second half is so emotionally straining, I couldn't bear it in the end and cried my eyes out. Rocky could've been such a film had it not stooped to maudlin and pretense. The movie feels and looks more like the 30s, with I don't know, the accent maybe. Or the caricature that the supporting cast is. The opening scene is a normal boxing match with the brawny Stallone facing another unknown face. A small-time boxer and a collector for a 'large-hearted' loan-shark named Gazzo; he lives an ordinary life, loving his pets, trying to woo a painfully shy girl and teaching an androgynous girl lessons to act more womanly. His preference can be known from the conversation as he explains to her how a foul-mouthed girl would be termed nothing but a "w**re" in future, and would rather want a lady to be his wife, which he notices in Adrian. This small-timer is suddenly placed on a pedestal when he is given an opportunity to face the flamboyant, insidious, conceited world-champion Apollo Creed, who does this all for a "good show".
Sylvester does have inkling about what he has to do, but I didn't see any vigor in his eyes. In short, his eyes were dead. In the scene where he vents out his frustration on his to-be trainer for not having faith in him before, he says the line but means them not much. Also, it is difficult to overlook the garbled voice that he speaks in. However, the script is a shade better, replete with humor and love. But it is heavy-handed, especially during the end. Sly is better a screenwriter here. The choreography of the boxing sequences is anything but memorable though, as it never gains steam. The climatic boxing scene seems rushed and irresolute. Sly could've sought professional help in these sequences than writing it himself.
Talia is spot-on as the highly introverted, taciturn girl-friend who breaks down hysterically in one of the scenes. I could emphasize with her since I myself am a very introverted but caring person who have bouts of hysterics. The most captivating quality is that Talia doesn't speak much but remained composed in a way that radiates untold emotions. Her character is unfairly treated in the end where she seems more like the heroine from Grease who runs to her love in the end.
Others in the movie frankly don't matter much. Burt Young as the crass, resentful but attention-seeking, insecure brother of Adrian, to be honest, was plain forgettable. Burgess as the surly coach with a story of failure in the past is generic to the extreme. His "come on, Rocky" chants really don't work because such character is more suited for a college movie with unruly youngsters (i.e. Grease). Carl Weathers' character Apollo reminds me of Lady Gaga, and he is more of a friendly villain here, which is a contrast from other sports movies, but I prefer the old-fashioned ones, a figure to hate.
The story at times gets to verbose or drab, as one always expects a broken tooth or dislocated shoulder in the middle. Two fights won't do for a classic sports film. The direction is schmaltzy at multiple places, though noble at a few. The background score, even though had some potential hits, didn't have an enlivening effect to make you go "YaY!" in the end. Considering the tight budget, these slights errs can be forgiven. But even films with shoe-string budget can deliver better. And next time, please let Talia do the talking and Sly more action. May watch and review the sequel when I am free, though I am not too keen on it. 5/10