Rocky

Rating:
Summary: Good film, unrealistic events- Very, unrealistic events.
Review: OK so what bothered me about this movie was the end fight where Rocky meets the Soviet heavyweight champion. While the movie is capturing because it's unpretentious and "real", that very end fight is just unbelievably unrealistic. Little rocky takes about 200 hard punches to his head and face, and first off, he doesn't even hold his guard to protect himself but instead he leaves his face clear of protection, holding his arms virtually downwards instead of keeping them in front of his face like every boxer does, so he gets tossed around by the Russian, like a rag, which is very very unrealistic because nobody can take even 1/3 of that many punches to one's face without getting knocked out. Basically its frustrating to see him putting down so much time in training like a maniac, and that makes you expect Rocky to stand his ground against the Russian who is training using hightech equipment as opposed to Rocky who's using whatever the "outdoors" provide him with in terms of physical challenges such as running uphills, slogging through deep snow etc, and the implication seems to be that Rockys more primitive training methods will proove more effective than the Russians'. Indeed it's quiet frustrating when Rocky finally meets his opponent in the ring, which is in Russia, and he appears totally inferior to the Russian which makes one feel sorry for Rocky. Basically, I think, they needn't had to humiliate him that much, but could instead have made the game a little more equal. This is simply because as it is now, the game is completely uneven; Rocky takes blow after blow round after round, while not only failing to hold his guard, but he doesn't even fight back, and when attempting to it looks pretty lame. It's like you get the feeling that sais "common Rocky what was all that training for!", since you expected him to be much better than he was. And moreover he keeps tolerating all those punches to his head and face, and we're talking about, say 100 punches, not trying to exaggerate, perhaps even up to 200 punches considering everything they don't "show" here.
Towards the end of the fight, as well as the end of the movie, Rocky is still not knocked down which is very unrealistic. But once he hits the Russian only once, the Russian looks totally off already, which makes you wonder. Have you watched that other flick "No retreat no surrender"? If you know the end fight from that move you'll see that its much more well balanced, less humiliating, yet still tense and exiting, and far from being predictable. Which is to say that this version of a "heroic" championship game is a bit too extreme. It's much better if they can keep it as realistic as possible without sacrificing the exitement of the film. In this film they don't. Rocky is a very bad boxer here compared to his Russian opponent, yet he wins, when he should in fact already be on his way to the hospital. Too bad. Still this is a well done movie. It's quiet powerful.

Rating:
Summary: The Story of the American Dream.
Review: This Oscar-Winning movie of 1976, "Rocky" is by far one of the greatest movies ever made to date. Sylvester Stallone made his acting debut in 1976 when he wrote the story of Rocky Balboa, an underdog Philadelphia club fighter with a heart of gold who has very little money, works for a mobster loanshark and falls in love with a shy girl named Adrian.This movie has a tremendous plot, wonderful character development and a very strong sense of power and novelty.

The movie takes place in the fighting city of Philadelphia and here we meet Rocky Balboa in a club fight against a bum, Spider Rico. We see Rocky's everyday life in this movie. Rocky goes home to his pigsty apartment to two turtles named Cuff and Link and a Goldfish named Mobey Dick. Rocky romances and flirts with a shy, lonely and ignored pet shoped employee named Adrian (great job by Talia Shire). Rocky tries to open her up by telling her bad jokes, and tries to ask her out. Then Rocky goes to work as a muscle-man collector for a his loanshark boss, Tony Gazzo. Then Rocky goes to work out at his boxing gym across the street from Adrian, called Mickey's Gym. The owner of the gym is Mickey Goldmill (Burgess Meredith) who knows that Rocky has the heart and talent to become a good fighter. Then after workout, Rocky goes to the neighborhood bar and has a few beers with his Paulie (Burt Young), Adrian's rude and inconsiderate brother.

Everything is the same in Rocky's life and nothing changes. Rocky continues to fight bums and doesn't get anywhere. Then one day, a shot of freak-luck changes his life forever. Rocky is given a shot at the World Heavyweight Title by the Champion Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers) on New Years Eve at the Philadelpia Spectrum. Apollo decided to give a local Philadelphia underdog fighter a shot at the title and he picked Rocky. Reluctant at first, Rocky doesn't want to fight Apollo because he is convinced that he is nowhere near as good as Apollo. The promoter of the fight tests Rocky's patriotism and cons Rocky into accepting the challenge. Now with the help of Mickey, Rocky begins to train for a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Rocky's goal is to do what no fighter has ever done before: Go the distance with Apollo Creed.

Now with Mickey as his expert trainer, Paulie and Adrian, his new girlfriend by his side in support of him, Rocky is ready to fight the greatest fighter of the world. This movie is the story of the American dream: From rags to riches.

This movie is timeless, it's a masterpiece and is one of the greatest films of all time. Sylvester Stallone not only made his debut as an actor here but also did a phenomenal job writing this movie. It's a wondeful movie all the way for anyone to enjoy. The DVD features Audio Commentary throughout the movie from the cast and crew such as: Carl Weathers, Talia Shire, Burt Young, and Director John G. Avildsen. This DVD has tons of special features such as: Theatrical Trailers from all 5 "Rocky" movies, Tribute to Burgess Meredith, Sylvester Stallone commentary and many, many more. Buy this DVD and you will never look back.

Rating:
Summary: INSPIRING MOVIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Review: I fell in love with this movie when I first saw it. It is so inspirational to see a man who has nothing in his life to the next heavy weight champion!

Rating:
Summary: Greatest Movie Ever Made in My Opinion
Review: Even though it's understandable, given the amount of money that was involved, it's a shame they went on to make Rocky 2, 3, 4, 5 and possibly a 6th one. Those films have damaged the reputation of Rocky 1, which in my opinion is one of the greatest movies ever made, if not the greatest. And I almost never bought it because I remembered Rocky 4 and how ridiculous that story was (remember that awful speech after the final fight?). Then I saw Rocky 3 on TV one night and almost laughed at how bad the boxing scenes were.

Well, fortunately, some time later, I happened to catch a bit of Rocky 1 on cable and within moments was completely absorbed in the story. I had forgotten it completely; I hadn't seen it since I was a kid. Well, I wish I could forget it all over again (haven't you felt this way about your favorite film?). I went right out and bought the DVD and, since that day, I've must have watched this movie 100 times.

It is more a wonderful and inspiring story of the personal triumph of an American than it is a boxing movie. It is truly moving and the symbolism is all pervasive, starting with the very first image you see (that bright painting of Jesus Christ which hovers above the dark, dreary, gloomy boxing ring ). Then there are the two turtles, Cuff and Link - which symbolize Rocky and Adrienne who are two "slow" people living basically in a small fish bowl. (Rocky says at one point that he had a mountain in the fish bowl but the turtles kept falling on their backs trying to climb over it, so he had to remove it). Now to the big dark figure, Apollo Creed, in American-flag trunks and dressed as Uncle Sam. Could he be a more obvious symbol of our country - the dark, powerful side that oppresses the down trodden.

During the fight, Apollo beats on him, basically as America did to him in his 30 years (what about my prime, Mick? At least you had a prime!) In the 14th round he goes down. Adrien comes out of the back room, and he manages to get back up - an obvious symbol, it seems to me, of love lifting you from the darkest moments. That scene, together with the genius of the music, never fails to move me.

What frustrates me is when people laugh at me when I say Rocky is my favorite film. As I had, they just remember the ridiculous sequels. When I have a friend come over and they watch it, they, like me, are blown away by the power and emotion of the story.

Anyway, I recommend you forget everything you remember about the Rocky series and buy this one. You will be glad you did.

Rating:
Summary: "You're gonna eat lightnin' and you're gonna crap thunder!"
Review: Rocky 1976 is my all time number one favorite movie. This movie is the reason why Sylvester Stallone has been one of my all time favorite actors, despite his bad films! Stallone invented the story and wrote the screenplay for Rocky, making him a Hollywood genius.

Everything about Rocky is outstanding. The directing, acting, and even the musical score by Bill Conti.

It's a beautiful triumphant tale of a nobody who gets a shot at being a somebody. Our striving nobody, Rocky, is a club fighter who gets a lucky shot at the boxing championship title against the Muhammed Ali clone Apollo Creed, played by football player turned actor Carl Weathers. Then, there's another down on his luck character, Mickey, an old timer who never reached the big time and now can achieve his lifetime dream by training Rocky. This character Mickey, played by Burgess Meredith, is probably one of the most memorable personalities from Rocky. The movie's director, John G. Avildsen would later get inspirations from this secondary memorable character with Mr. Miyagi, and the movie as a whole with 1984's The Karate Kid. And behind the blood and guts of our main character is a wonderful and sensitive heart. The movie doesn't focus much on the fighting. In fact, the movie is all about Rocky's love to Adrian, played by Francis Ford Coppola's real life sister Talia Shire. And when Rocky goes the distance with the champion of the world in the most thrilling and astounding boxing scene in motion picture history, and loses due to the judges' votes, Rocky doesn't mind. He just stands there screaming out "Adrian!" to the reporters, and the whole world.

On top of the strong drama, is the engaging music of Bill Conti, including the classic training song Gonna Fly Now!

Rocky is definitely a movie for all ages and for all times.

By far, the greatest movie experience.

A+

Rating:
Summary: Missed it again
Review: I just want to remind everyone that Rocky did not win the fight. He was not the new champ. He lost the fight. That is part of what was so great about this movie. He did not care if he won the fight he just did not want to look like a fool. They NEVER should have made 2-15 or whatever. This was a perfect movie, and the sequels just made people think of this movie as a the first in long line of bad movies. If you tell people that this movie won Best picture they will probably not believe you. This is a great movie.

Rating:
Summary: The Greates Budding of A Sleeper Theatric Soul
Review: If Sylvester Stallone ever returned to be 29 years old again, we believe that he will do the same thing again.

An Athelete finally learned and accepted by the movie industry top pickers rapidly put together a performance that created a silver streak for the 1976 world, when the black were still discriminated and Italian Americans not heard of as a democractic voice.

Inching in, Sylvester Stallone hit good pitch as a mulberry worm snipped around its predated mulberry leave. This dude, the then Italian Will Smith who inherited from Malone Brando's "On the Waterfront" style, got a few points right and left there correctly.

His was a great start. A very impressive performance, done with light-hearted touches all over the show.

The performance created astounding impression even on boys aged 17 still today. Amazingly powerful, it foretells the era of changing in American democracy, which perhaps worried this actor since his "F.I.S.T." explicitly shared his concerns on the issue.

Sylvester Stallone began with this film a torch-carrying career ignited by American pizza makers--the Italian Americans and other Italian American actors and actresses. A career only recently showed explicitly with his participation at the Olympic torch carrying of 2004.

Long way he ran, and long way still people needed to run following him, between that 1818 apartment room till the statue erected Philly Museum of Art.

Sylvester Stallone is no commoner in creed, and one ought not to evaluate and assess this person on the base of rules set by the WASP on commoners who suffocated under its people-fooling political philosophy.

Shame goes to the WASP elites who only knew how to conquor and to do that rapidly. Cheers to Sylvester Stallone. Whose role in the American Democratization is no smaller than that played by Martin Luthur King.

Long Live Sylvester Stallone. Guard him well yooooooooooooo Body guards of Sly's. Don't ever never let another Martin Luthur King die or fooled into death by the foolish sort of the Wasps.

Rating:
Summary: Rocky (1976)
Review: Every once in a while a movie comes along that can inspire and touch our hearts with inspiration that can last a lifetime. The movie Rocky is not only one of greatest and most memorable films ever made, it also leaves a mark on each viewer who has seen this masterpiece of a movie. I can't help but smile when I see Sylvester Stallone's training sequence because it means so much more than what meets the eye. It symbolizes a dream every single person has had at one time in their lives, the desire to achieve that dream no matter what anyone believes or says. It symbolizes that we can achieve that dream and the moment we do and it is our turn to dance around on the top of the steps because we made it, the feeling will be indescribable.

Rating:
Summary: The Italian Stallion
Review: Every person should see Rocky at least one time in their life. It is by far my favorite movie ever and many people will agree it is a timeless classic. From the cinematography all the way to the love story it is a beautiful piece of work. This movie won three academy awards. It won one for best picture, one for best editing and one for best director, and it well should have. It was made by Sylvester Stallone who stars in it as Rocky Balboa. The reason it is so appealing to me is the diversity in which the movie shows. This movie has everything for a large range of an audience. It is rated PG because there is no crude language. The only violence is the actual boxing. It has of course great action sequences. These scenes are achieved by the mastery camera angles. Also these scenes would not have been so beautifully constructed with out great editing. The fight scenes seem so perfect that any one can believe that Sylvester Stallone (Rocky) and Carl Weathers (Apollo Creed) were actually fighting each other.
Rocky is a collector for a mobster, because he is a natural born fighter. He boxes at a local gym on the side because he loves boxing. He is given the shot of a life time, to fight Apollo Creed the heavy weight champion in his home town of Philadelphia. This where is any person can relate to the film. Everyone has a dream were they would give everything for just one small chance one shot at it. This is what Rocky is given, it's his one shot. The passion that Rocky has for this sport is illustrated through his training scenes. These scenes are probably the most famous scenes ever made. They show a nobody, a street fighter become a real contender for the championship. It shows Rocky running up the steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum, and throwing his hands in the air when reaching the top. The way that the music progressively gets louder while he makes his way up is excellent. This movie is equipped with an excellent sound track, which perfectly complements the content of the scenes.
What most people don't know is that this is not just a fight movie. It revolves around a great love story also. Rocky falls in love with possibly the shyest girl ever, named Adrian (Talia Shire). She works across the street in a pet store were Rocky frequently visits to tell her a joke and pick up pet food. He is friends with her brother Paulie, and he arranges a date. Adrian asks Rocky why he fights, and his answer is one of the cleverest responses ever. He tells her that he fights because he can't sing or dance. Now some people might think it's just a joke, but he says this to explain his passion for the sport and show he was born for it.
This is the type of movie that makes everyone feel great. It will make everyone that watches it want to shoot for their dreams, and realize that no dream is too far for anyone to reach. After the movie is over, and you turn the lights on, you will think you are Rocky. You will feel on top of the world and will be smiling form ear to ear. I recommend all of the Rocky movies. I own all five and will with out a doubt recommend all of them. However I truly feel that the first Rocky is the best, and always will be the best. Not just the best out of the Rocky series, this is the best movie ever.


Rating:
Summary: A classic tale of the underdog who comes out on top
Review: Rocky is a Philadelphia man who boxes in small dives,when he's not out breaking thumbs.Somehow boxing champ Apollo Creed puts his gold up for grabs against Rocky kind of as a joke,he doesn't think an amatuer boxer is going to be able to hold his own against the champ.Of course Rocky comes through and becomes the new heavyweight champion to much surprise to everyone.Along the way Rocky finds love in a shy pet store clerk Adrian.A classic movie about the underdog rising to the challange and coming out on top.