Rocky is a 1976 movie directed by John G. Avildsen.
WHAT HAPPENS?
An aging club boxer gets a chance to prove himself against the heavyweight champion of the world.
ONE LINE REVIEW
Rocky is a beautiful American story about determination, pride and loneliness.
THE ACTORS
Sylvester Stallone stars in the lead role as Rocky Balboa, an aging, down on his luck club boxer. Stallone takes what could be a limited, cartoonish role and infuses the character with a unique earnestness. Physically, Stallone is born for the role – his unique face and slurred speech resemble a hardened prize fighter.
Talia Shire is terrific as Adrian, the meek, painfully shy pet shop worker who falls for Rocky. Her lack of confidence is intense, as she continually hides her face – never making eye contact. She ducks behind bird cages and scurries away when Rocky approaches. Her character later emerges as Rocky’s support system – her voice and self-esteem grow as the movie progresses.
The cast is rounded out by Burt Young and Burgess Meredith. Young is spectacular as the moody, alcoholic Pauly. His emotional breakdowns are stinging – he viciously snaps on his sister Adrian, then collapses in tears. Still, there is a lovable quality to Pauly – Young plays up the comic aspects of the character. Meredith is great as the crusty, cynical Mickey. He plays the character with absolutely no filter – he coldly dismisses Rocky before offering to later train him. It’s a complicated, tarnished relationship.
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