Stirring movie and genuinely entertaining

Rating: 7/10 (29 April 2003)

7/10
From the slums of Philadelphia comes a courageous if misguided nobody, who has the heart and determination to reach his goals if only he could believe in himself. Indeed this movies plot line is somewhat over-used nowadays, but you cannot argue that Rocky was a catalyst for the 'it's not the size of the dog in the fight that counts, its the size of the fight in the dog'. Sylvester Stallone portrays the wannabe fighter, and the character development is extremely touching on times especially as he forges a partnership with Adrian (Talia Shire) who throughout is tremendous. Sure the boxing sequences are a something of make believe, but that only goes to enhance the entertainment.
As Rocky begins to reach the big time he faces the ultimate task of trying to beat the American dream that is Apollo Creed and take his chance in the big time. Burgess Meredith is outstanding as the long suffering boxing trainer and his angry characteristics only served to give a deeper emotional side to the love and warmth he feels for Rocky. The direction could have been a little better and of course the story line is something out of make-believe, but it is undoubtedly one of those hallmark films that every generation should enjoy.