| Rocky (1976) Cast:Sylvester Stallone,Talia Shire,Burt Young,Burgess Meredith,Carl Weathers,Tony Burton Sylvester Stallone became a household name with this classic which stars Sly as a two-bit boxer who is given a shot for the heavyweight title, when Apollo Creed (Weathers) wants to fight an unknown for publicity, while in training Rocky sets a goal for himself to "only go the distance". Rocky is of course a great movie not because of the competition edge but because of the heart contained in the script and acting. The real reason Rocky is so great is because it's just human, Rocky takes time developing characters and developing a great atmosphere that really gets one excited. Indeed the way Avildsen pumps up each scene with such sheer excitement,one wonders how can one not enjoy this? Rocky is heads and shoulders above almost everything in the genre which this inspired. Stallone is very good in the part who plays the role with a down to earth dim-wittedness that really underlines the movie itself, however it's Meredith as Stallone's feisty trainer who really steals the show. Overall Rocky is a classic, plain and simple, it's definitely worth repeat viewings as well as the reputation as one of the best underdog stories. Although let it be said, Taxi Driver deserved the best picture award, instead of this. D.John G Avildsen**** |