Rocky (1976)

User Review

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  Barneyonmovies

  8 / 10

  WHAT I LIKED: It's funny how boxing has spawned so many film portrayals, but anyone looking for a core reason why this sport in particular is so popular in cinema needn't look any further than 'Rocky,' as it practically defines its sub-genre. Yes this modern classic really strips back those ideas about how anyone can make it in boxing and how physical - and quintessentially cinematic - the spirit and determination needed to succeed in this sport is, and all of that always has the ability to make for an interesting thematic journey of the little man rising up, as well as the perfect character piece. That's what Rocky is essentially all about, but it only works so well as a film because that stuff is laid so bare and given real care and attention by director John G. Alvidsen and of course Sylvester Stallone. You really feel for Rocky and long for him to succeed as a poor down-trodden individual from Philadelphia, and when you couple that typical narrative with such a well-executed pay-off at the end, what you've got is one of the pillars of the boxing movie genre and one thoroughly great piece of film. Those who argue it's just a straight glorification of the American Dream clearly don't get the ending and just don't see how negatively the nation is generally displayed.
  WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE: It's not a film that brings anything particularly new or profound to the table.
  VERDICT: The quintessential boxing movie about a little man rising up, 'Rocky,' is one rather brilliant little movie that works well as a thematic character piece with a great finale. You just can't say you know boxing movies until you've seen this one.

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