All that is good about cinema!

Rating: 10/10 (6 August 2006)

1976 was a great year. I was born; rock band U2 was formed; America turned 200; Rocky Balboa was introduced to the world.
Growing up in the 80s, I never knew the dim-witted, two-bit leg breaker, underdog, Rocky. I only knew the over-the-top, ridiculously ripped, foe of Mr.T and a 7 foot Russian, Rocky. But I loved him! As a kid, Rocky III and IV were right up my ally. I think I may have caught the first two films on TV during that time, but I regret to admit I found them boring and dull.
It's interesting how, as an adult, your tastes change. Hot dogs and french fries are no longer the order of the day, and the more fatuous of the Rocky movies - while still entertaining - don't suit you the way they did when you were 8. 'Rocky', the original award winning movie, and Rocky II, actually are both superb! It's raw, genuine, emotional, action packed, inspirational, character and story-driven.....basically all that is good about American Cinema! And for all the 'Sly' detractors out there, the man can act! The scene (that he fought for to be in the movie) where he returns to his apartment from the arena and tells Adrian that he "can't do it" he "can't win" and that all he wants to do is "go the distance" ranks up there Brando's "I coulda been a contender" moment or any other moment for that matter - pure emotion! Here's hoping that the upcoming 'Rocky Balboa'(Rocky VI) is a return to form.