Packs a memorable punch, but not quite a knockout

Rating: 8/10 (26 November 2009)

I have to say, the IMDb rating for this movie is perfect. An 8.0 describes what Rocky is: a fairly great movie and completely deserving of its place as one of the top 250 movies of all time.
While I don't believe it to be the best in the series (Rocky Balboa is just above this), it did start it all and is such a great romance movie. It's not only romance in a physical sense, but romance in terms of what it does for the sport of boxing.
Rocky's a fighter in every regard, and he's played (and written) very well by Stallone. Talia Shire is also memorable in her role as Adrian (my word isn't she beautiful?) and you can't help but smile anytime Burt Young (playing Paulie) is on-screen, despite his horrible deeds.
Mickey's visit to Rocky's flat demonstrates Burgess Meredith's supreme acting skills; he and Stallone make a great, and unlikely, acting team. Finally, Carl Weathers is often forgotten but here he puts in a fine performance as Apollo Creed.
While it is a bit slow and showing its age now, Rocky is all heart. The only thing that could put first-time watchers off here would be the hype behind the character of Rocky, as they will no doubt find themselves confused by what they've heard and what they're seeing. But please do give him time to win you over. It's inevitable he will. 8/10