Magnificent

Rating: 10/10 (10 June 2006)

Amid the seemingly endless sequels, it's easy to forget the power and inspiration of the original entry in the Rocky series. Sylvester Stallone catapulted into stardom after writing and starring in this low-budget tale of a down-on-his luck small-time boxer finally given his big shot. When an injury forces Heavyweight champion Apollo Creed's opponent to miss a much-hyped bicentennial bout, Creed settles on the gimmick of fighting the unknown "Italian Stallion." Though it's often ranked as one of the all-time great sports movies, Rocky isn't really about boxing. It's a fascinating glimpse at people and how they are shaped by circumstance; and how disappointments and aspirations collide. Stallone hasn't delivered as convincing a performance in the three decades since Rocky KO'd the box office competition.