Absolutely

Rating: 10/10 (11 July 2003)

**** out of ****
The first and, by far, the best of the Rocky series. For those of you more familiar with the sequels, you may have forgotten that this series began with a modest little story. It is the story of Rocky Balboa, a prizefighter of limited skill, but with the heart of a lion, who gets a shot at the heavyweight title. Sylvester Stallone, in his most famous role, plays Balboa to perfection and makes him one of the most loveable characters in movie history. The other actors are just as good and their characters just as memorable. Talia shire plays Rocky's shy, but always loyal girlfriend Adrian. Burt Young adds most of the laughs as Adrian's slimey brother Paulie. Carl Weathers is the fast talking heavyweight champ Apollo Creed. And Burgess Meredith is unforgettable as Rocky's crusty trainer Mickey. Sylvester Stallone also wrote the screenplay which is often funny and touching and John G. Avildsen creates the perfect atmosphere as director.