Cinematic and actual "First big break"

Rating: 9/10 (25 April 2015)

Rocky is not perfect. I will not try to convey that it is. But just like the character Rocky, the movie more than makes up for its shortcomings with true, honest heart. As strange at is seems, the parts of this film that resonate the strongest with an audience happen outside of the boxing ring. While this is a sports movie, the characters drive this movie, not so much the action (which honestly didn't age as well as Sly). I think that comes down to Sylvester's script, which captures the true voice of real people. Rocky may not speak eloquently but the message is delivered in such a natural way that it is easy to let one's guard down and suspend disbelief, allowing the viewer to fall in love with these characters and their heart. Mr. Stallone had to fight tooth and nail to bring this story to life as he saw it, wage an uphill battle of seemingly impossible odds that only a crazed man loyal to his passion would be willing to endure. And this comes through for his titular character as well. When that much earnest drive is poured into the characters, the film simply cannot help but benefit. Overall, I highly recommend this film. Watch the way the characters interact, listen to the way they talk. They are living, breathing, fighting and loving humans; Therein lies the magic of "Rocky".