Basic, yet inspiring

Rating: 7/10 (15 May 2004)

Although I saw this film at one point during my life (as a child if I remember right) I figured it was time to see it again as an adult, and as with many films I have seen again, though decades apart, it held entirely different meaning to me. When I was a kid, my Dad used to go out jogging, and I used to laugh at him when he would play the theme song to Rocky on the turntable while he stretched. It's still a little corny, but I partially realize the meaning behind it, because `Rocky' is indeed a very inspirational film.
-Possible Spoilers-
Rocky (Stallone), seemingly simple yet basically good-hearted mediocre amateur boxer gets a shot at a boxing match with the heavyweight champion of the world, Apollo Creed (Weathers) who is all about style and show, and not about substance. The film basically centers on Rocky's training regimen, and going from a guy who couldn't even have a locker at his local gym, to one who can attempt to go the distance with the best. Along the way, there are some subplots, (romance, tests of loyalty and friendship, greed) but its basic theme is his inspirational rise to the challenge and eventually, the fight. The fight itself is very realistic, with the result even more so, and the ending is logically abrupt. The film ends when the fight ends because ultimately, that is the main plot line. `Rocky' is an inspirational and decent film that lives up to its legend and deserves its reputation.
--Shelly