What's not to like about Rocky?

Rating: 9/10 (13 November 2006)

Rocky is one of those films that I can watch every time it is shown on TV and recently watched in full again due to buying the Anniversay Special Edition. It has the sort of story that would work in any situation, but particularly in sports. Everyone loves an underdog.
The film, as everyone must know, revolves around a 30 year old two-bit boxer who earns cash as muscle for a loan shark. He is seen smoking and boozing and obviously has let himself get out of peak shape. Rocky has also just lost his locker at the gym to a younger boxer and he is also having trouble asking out ultra shy pet store assistant Adrianne. The main crux of the film is after reigning champion Apollo Creed offers him a crack at the title as part of a 4th of July promotion when his leading contender pulls out, Rocky has to get in shape, shake off his doubts and prove to himself he isn't the loser he always thought he was.
What is so great about Rocky? There are various reasons, the storyline is a great part, underdog comes good against all odds, the acting is excellent (Stallone surely deserved an Oscar), the cinematography is perfect, the music is also absolutely spot on. The actual boxing is only a very small part of the film, it's the journey there that makes the film work.
Most people who don't appreciate Rocky forget the other parts of the film apart from the fighting. There is so much more that makes it the film it is. Baring in mind it beat Taxi Driver to best picture that year, Rocky must be something special. It may not be the best film ever made but for entertainment value it is up there somewhere.
An all time classic that has aged superbly, a must see. Hopes are high for Rocky Balboa next year....