Rocky: The Greatest

Rating: 10/10 (27 December 2006)

I think Frank Capra said it all when after having seen the film, he said "Now there is a film I wish I had made" Rocky manages to be wholly realistic, and utterly uplifting. Performances from the leads right down to the minor supporting players are beautifully realised. It is very easy to see why Stallone was touted as the next Brando after this movie. His acting ability, delivery, and physicality are all reminiscent of the great man himself. Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers, Bill Duke, and of course Burgess Meredith are all wonderful. They take an already great screenplay and make it better by adding nuance, layers, and idiosyncrasies to their characters without trying to hog the picture. Whenever any of these actors appear on screen, it is like they are the star, and the movie could be about them. But let us not forget Stallone. He is the lynch pin around which the movie revolves. An acting style so natural you'd swear that it was a documentary. A movie that makes what should be unlikeable characters lovable, because you understand them. It is no wonder Stallone continued to revisit these characters a further five times. A truly great movie, that stands shoulder to shoulder with any other movie ever made.