Rocky: Chump-to-Champ Inspiration

Rating: 9/10 (18 February 2014)

People are often times licking their chops over gritty fight movies with a classic underdog story. There is just something about a David vs. Goliath feeling. Rocky includes this concept, with some added flavor. Sylvester Stallone, an actor/screenwriter, meshed together many incredible variables that makes this film more than meets the eye. It's an American dream, a love story and triumphant drama that is crafted into a motivational masterpiece. The plot is well done and entertaining to follow, the acting and characterization is impressively performed and the originality of the film gave Rocky a twist that brought all these components together for one legendary movie.
The legend begins with Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone), a club boxer who is essentially putting his life on the line every day just to make forty dollars a victory. When it seems as though Rocky is set up to never succeed, he soon has everything going for him. The "Italian Stallion" randomly gets chosen by his soon to be opponent, Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers), to fight in an exhibition match advertising America as the "Land of Opportunity". This puts a spark in the life of Balboa that sends him on a mission to prove that hard work and grit can take you to measures one can only dream of. This, my friends, is why we love Rocky. The plot is very simple and yet it is energetic. Following the story line of the droopy-eyed, macho Italian giving his full perseverance and dedication to a shot at destiny is truly a motivational event. Stallone needs a round of applause because this movie is not just about a breakthrough for Rocky Balboa, but a breakthrough for himself as well.
The journey of Rocky Balboa quickly turned him into a very lovable character. Sly Stallone's part as Rocky is a match made in Heaven. The combination of Stallone's capability to play a physical beast and his ability to release true, raw emotion, makes his portrayal of Rocky a masterful job. This very rough, but sociable character pairs with the painfully shy, pet store worker, Adrian (Talia Shire). The two somehow, someway make an admirable couple that unite together. The love and affection they have is real and it can easily be felt in the last scene where Rocky squares off with Apollo Creed. Despite this being one of the greatest fight scene in movie history, it's that strong connection between Rocky and Adrian that really seals the deal. It is that groan of "Adrian!' that Balboa screams as Adrian cries out "I love you", in the midst of reporters trying to huddle around them. This scene is just a small example of the talent of acting and the colorful characterizations that blend together to make memorable movie icons.
Besides the terrific story and the heart-felt acting, there are many other aspects of Rocky that make its originality stand out. One in particular is Rocky's famous workout montage, where "Gonna Fly Now" by Bill Conti plays as Rocky sprints up the stairs of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. He thrusts his arms up in triumph in such a scene that would make the laziest of people have an itch to hit the gym. No one will ever forget other unique scenes in which Rocky incorporates interesting training methods that include drinking raw eggs and hitting frozen meat. This is the kind of stuff that builds onto the concept of a movie and more importantly, makes a viewer smile. Without question, this movie has the power to incorporate itself in your mind and motivate you to achieve what you thought was achievable.