Hollywood at its best.

Rating: 9/10 (4 March 2012)

Before Stallone diluted the brand with a series of increasingly ridiculous sequels before finally bringing the franchise back to respectability with "Rocky Balboa" there was this little film which is a fine example of the Hollywood formula executed to perfection. The classic underdog tale combines the gritty realism of the 1970's, with the uplifting story of a down on his luck boxer who gets the chance of a lifetime when he gets a shot at the World Championship. At its core "Rocky" is really a touching love story and working class drama featuring great performances by all the principles (Stallone has never been better) and great direction by John G. Avildsen who won an Oscar for his work. Stallone's screenplay hits all the right notes and it is impossible not to be fully invested in the story by the time the emotional climax hits. There are scenes in this film that left their mark in film history and the film became an inspiration to people around the world. The only downside was that Stallone decided to cash in his characters popularity and made 5 sequels that had varying levels quality. Rocky 2 was entertaining but unnecessary, while Rocky 4 was so utterly ridiculous that the movie has become nothing but an entertaining joke. It's best to forget the sequels because the original is truly a classic example of Hollywood cinema at its absolute best.