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Rocky – Five Star Favorites

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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Rocky II

Rocky II is a 1979 movie directed by Sylvester Stallone.

Rocky II picks up where the classic leaves off. Rocky is essentially retired but struggles to find a purpose for his life. After continued goading from Apollo Creed, he agrees to a rematch. During his training, Adrian gives birth and slips into a coma.

THE BEST – Mickey’s Movie

Burgess Meredith is given more meaty scenes here and turns in a tremendous performance. His crusty Mickey snarls and callously rejects Rocky’s request to continue training. To show how damaged Rocky’s right eye is, Mickey viciously slaps him. Yet later in the movie, Mickey changes his mind and pushes Rocky to fight – even during Adrian’s time in a coma. Despite the flawed plot, Burgess shows some vulnerability and gives dimension to his character – his speech in the chapel is the most passionate part of the movie. Still, his trademark humor is on point – he declares “I don’t want to get mad in a biblical place” before he screams at Rocky.

THE BEST Part 2 – Rocky’s Job Interviews

Rocky II continues – and somewhat repeats – the natural arc of the title character as he navigates a post-fighting world. Rocky attempts different jobs, including a hauling meat, before looking for a “desk job.” While slightly over the top, his experience shooting a commercial is painful to watch. Rocky “doesn’t read so well” and is berated by an angry, flamboyant director.

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Nighthawks

Nighthawks is a 1981 movie directed Bruce Malmuth.

WHAT HAPPENS?

An undercover cop is tasked with hunting down an international terrorist.

ONE LINE REVIEW

Nighthawks is a stylistic crime thriller that features Stallone before his ascent into superstardom.

THE ACTORS

Sylvester Stallone’s Deke is the figurative bridge between his gritty 70s characters and the excessive action heroes he would later portray. While the script is laden with cliche cop dialogue and reactions, Stallone manages to allow his character moments of realism. He maintains a physical, alpha edge but remains a likable, sympathetic character.

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