Rocky Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES
His whole life was a million-to-one shot.
The 'Italian Stallion', Rocky Balboa, is an aspiring boxer in downtown Philadelphia. His one chance to make a better life for himself is through his boxing and Adrian, a girl who works in the local pet store. Through a publicity stunt, Rocky is set up to fight Apollo Creed, the current heavyweight champion who is already set to win. But Rocky really needs to triumph, against all the odds...
| Sylvester Stallone | Rocky Balboa |
| Talia Shire | Adrianna 'Adrian' Pennino |
| Burt Young | Paulie Pennino |
| Carl Weathers | Apollo Creed |
| Burgess Meredith | Mickey Goldmill |
| Thayer David | Jergens |
| Joe Spinell | Gazzo |
| Jimmy Gambina | Mike |
| Bill Baldwin | Fight Announcer |
| Al Silvani | Cut Man |
| George Memmoli | Ice Rink Attendant |
| Jodi Letizia | Marie |
| George O'Hanlon | TV Commentator |
| Larry Carroll | TV Interviewer |
| John G. Avildsen |
8.00 out of 10 (64828 votes)
Visitor Reviews
The greatest underdog story ever told.
posted on 15 Aug 2009Rocky tells the story of Rocky Balboa, a low life who works as a loan shark for the mafia while boxing on the side as a hobby. He earns the once in a lifetime chance to become something more when the heavyweight champion of the world Apollo Creed decides to give a local underdog fighter a shot at the title and selects Rocky. Rocky accepts the challenge and with the help of Mickey, the owner of the local gym, he begins training his body and mind for the fight of his life. Rocky is a great character story that still holds up today.If there's one thing that critics and audiences agree on, it's that an underdog story usually makes a good film. Well, this is truly the greatest underdog film ever made, and it deserved every bit of praise it received. Rocky Balboa was a nobody, and to him it wasn't about the title. It was about having his name up in lights next to Apollo Creed. It was about doing something with his life other than roughing people up for money. This isn't an action packed boxing movie. It's very character driven. This doesn't even necessarily have to be called a boxing or sport movie. It's more of a drama that just happens to involve a man who boxes. The movie is well paced and well directed. Sylvester Stallone wrote a pretty good script with some good dialogue.The movie is very well acted. Whenever people think of Sylvester Stallone they think of Rocky's voice, but most people should know that that's just the character, and Sylvester Stallone plays it well. Talia Shire does a good job playing shy and making the transition to outspoken. Burt Young is good as Rocky's best friend Paulie and Carl Weathers is good as heavyweight champion of the world Apollo Creed.Rocky is a great classic that still holds up as a good movie today, and I look forward to seeing the latest entry in the series to see how Stallone ends the franchise.8/10
A real story of heart, bravery and strength. The best guy movie ever made.
posted on 12 Aug 2009Rocky is the best movie that Stallone ever made. He wrote the movie and then he never looked back. Rocky was a bad boxer who never even was given the chance to be a has been. Then, due to the cancellation of a fight, Rocky gets a chance to fight the champion. Apollo Creed, brilliantly played by Carl Weathers, says that Rocky stands no chance and that it should be a walk in the park. Stallone trains hard awhile Creed blows the fight off. Then in the fight, Rocky comes very close to pulling of the upset. He looses the fight by decision. This is a very good movie with a solid love story, as well as good fight scenes. Don't be deterred by the fact that it has 4 bad sequels, because Rocky 1 is a brilliant picture.
One of the best boxing films ever
posted on 22 Jun 2009Despite the rushed nature of the
filming process, this film still ranks
as a very satisfying movie experience.
Sylvester Stallone seemed destined to
play the role of a down on his luck
boxer. While the dialogue seemed to
be made up on the spot at many points,
the depth of the characters made up
for such shortfalls. Rocky isn't just about
some guy getting the shot of a lifetime,
it's about the conquering spirit which
seems to be inside each and every person,
whether they believe it or not. While Rocky
engages in somewhat shady practices,
he embodies a person that seems to be
stuck in time, forever caught up in a
moment he can't seem to shake off. While
some may dispute this film as the best of
1976, one cannot deny the power and new
ground it broke. Instead of being the typical
sports-feel-good-movie, it was more about
Rocky simply showing the world he can
do something more than just be a manual
laborer. An awesome film to say the least.
rocky the boxer gets a chance to have a big match with heavy weight champion Apollo creed
posted on 19 Jun 2009go for it this is a good movie it has good music good story good fights its really good it is cool and super duper he comes out of nowhere and Nealy wins such a good movie his Fraze go for it one of a good movies in life like new police story batman begins x2 and Godzilla 2000 not like the bad movie thunder-birds batman and robin super babies geniuses 2 and cat women i like the bit when rocky trains then the rocky bit comes on this won 3 Oscars including best picture the first rocky movie i saw was rocky 2 that was good to really good not much movies are good as this this is one of the best in life and i mean it good setting good cover
Simply Brilliant
posted on 10 Jun 2009Probably the second-best boxing movie ever made, Raging Bull being the best (in my humble opinion), this is the picture that made Sylvester Stallone a star, and a household name. His bravura performance as Rocky Balboa, "The Italian Stallion" who gets a million-to-one shot to fight the heavyweight champion is at the heart of this rousing film. Never mind that such theatrics simply don't happen in the world of professional boxing. Stallone's writing captivates and draws in the audience such that we cheer along with the crowd in the climactic (and brilliantly choreographed) fight scene. I remember seeing this in its first theatrical release and being so caught up in the moment that I was cheering as loudly as anyone else; I never heard half of that final sequence until I saw the picture on HBO years later.Rocky features stand-out performances by everyone, most notably Talia Shire (taking a break from playing Connie Corleone) as Rocky's plain-Jane girlfriend, and the always-brilliant Burgess Meredith as Mickey, Rocky's gravel-voiced trainer and manager. Ex-football player Carl Weathers give a nicely understated performance as Apollo Creed, a role that could have all-too-easily been played over the top. Look for cameos by Joe Frazier and Stu Nathan. Probably the best performance (other than Stallone's) is turned in by Burt Young, who in this picture perfected the greasy low-life that's become his signature. One can only hope that he's acting, as he's so convincing in his portrayal that the viewer just wants to beat the crap out of him on general principles.John Avildsen perfected his directorial signature in this effort, a signature that would later appear in the Karate Kid pictures with Ralph Macchio. His camera captures the gritty, seamy side of south Philadelphia perfectly and, like Stallone's script, sucks the audience into his environment totally. Notice, though, how the lighting appears to brighten and intensify as the story progresses and Rocky gains confidence. Most of the first third of the picture seems to be shot in dim lighting, slightly out of focus, and with a narrow, claustrophic feeling. As Rocky gains strength, both physically and otherwise, Avildsen's lens seems to open wider and the light to come up. The focus sharpens until the scenes appear almost three-dimensional in their intensity.If I had to pick one flaw in this cinematic masterpiece, I'd have to quibble with the physical appearance of the fighters, both Rocky and Apollo Creed. Neither is truly built like a heavyweight boxer; their waists are too narrow and their muscles too "cut." Either one of these guys, if he were to step into the ring with a Mike Tyson or a Buster Douglas, would be pounded to a pulp before the end of three rounds. And, let's face it: if any heavyweight fight were to get that bloody in reality, it would be stopped before any more damage could be done. But, hey, it's just a movie, right?
Makes you want to go the distance and hit someone :D
posted on 01 Jun 2009"Rocky", the movie that I always hear of. One of my friends recently told me that I can't claim to be a movie fan without seeing the "Rocky" films, and I agree. I mean, who doesn't want a feel good movie that is goal oriented and inspirational? In the middle of the 70's decade, American movies like "Rocky" became progressively more optimistic, less concerned with social tensions. The happy ending made a comeback, as did such traditional values as the success ethic. Despite Rocky not being the sharpest tool in the box, he was tough and goal oriented and had that hungry look for the title. To be an average Joe off the streets and turned into the heavy weight champion of the world is incredible. I think that was what was so appealing to "Rocky".This is Sylvester's best work in my opinion, and that's actually a compliment. He did a terrific job as "Rocky". I loved the chemistry between him and Adrien, a shy girl who just needs a little push and encouragement to be someone magnificent. "Rocky" is just a great all around feel good movie that makes you want to go the distance. Push yourself to do things you'd never thought, running at the crack of dawn, eating raw eggs, or even cutting your eyes to release the pressure. OK, maybe you won't do that, but Rocky did. Watch Rocky, you'll wanna go for a run after wards. :D 10/10
After my FORTH viewing, my opinion has changed greatly!!!
posted on 05 May 2009If you have read my first review of this film, i didn't give it much credit, i wasn't a massive fan, i loved all the other Rocky's but this one wasn't my cup of tea!But after watching this with my mum last night for the FORTH time, my opinion completely changed, i enjoyed it way more than my first three viewing, for reasons i cannot tell.The only reason i watched this last night is because i was watching The Godfather Part II and got bored after an hour, i wasn't really in the mood for it, or was i? Anyway i then decided to watch this with my mum because she had never seen it before and wanted to see it, she enjoyed it too!I don't really need to tell you the plot, chances are you've seen it a similar plot in a more recent film.8/10
Stirring movie and genuinely entertaining
posted on 20 Apr 20097/10From the slums of Philadelphia comes a courageous if misguided nobody, who has the heart and determination to reach his goals if only he could believe in himself. Indeed this movies plot line is somewhat over-used nowadays, but you cannot argue that Rocky was a catalyst for the 'it's not the size of the dog in the fight that counts, its the size of the fight in the dog'. Sylvester Stallone portrays the wannabe fighter, and the character development is extremely touching on times especially as he forges a partnership with Adrian (Talia Shire) who throughout is tremendous. Sure the boxing sequences are a something of make believe, but that only goes to enhance the entertainment. As Rocky begins to reach the big time he faces the ultimate task of trying to beat the American dream that is Apollo Creed and take his chance in the big time. Burgess Meredith is outstanding as the long suffering boxing trainer and his angry characteristics only served to give a deeper emotional side to the love and warmth he feels for Rocky. The direction could have been a little better and of course the story line is something out of make-believe, but it is undoubtedly one of those hallmark films that every generation should enjoy.
The quintessential inspirational movie of all time..
posted on 11 Apr 2009In 1976, I hated boxing. In 2006, I hate boxing. In 1976, I reluctantly paid the few dollars to see "Rocky", figuring at least I would get out of the stifling heat for a couple of hours and catch a nap, as it was too hot to sleep, even at night.I didn't get much sleep that afternoon, in fact, that afternoon changed my life to a great extent. I left the theater in the same clothes I entered but my mind, after have been given a new life's perspective was altered in a way that affects me to this day.The film "Rocky" should almost be a requirement for any teen that struggles daily with the issues of self-worth. "Rocky", affords the viewer to see first hand what the confluence of dreams, dedication, stamina and integrity to self and success can provide. "Rocky" is not some "boxing flick", it is a demonstration of the internal conflicts of the soul and how we all can achieve the greatness within us all.While fiction, every aspect of "Rocky" can be applied to our every day lives in one fashion or another. Ironically, this low-budget filler that Hollywood pondered whether or not it would pay for it's filming costs, turned out to be one of the greatest works of cinematography of all time.Only the severely close minded could possibly see "Rocky" as anything less than one of the most inspiring works of art to grace the silver screen.
The best boxing movies of all time!
posted on 27 Mar 2009When I first saw this movie I was quickly bitten by the ROCKY bug. I would soon be hooked on Rocky movies forever. I had to see every one not just once but over 100+ times. I am not exaggerating, every time a ROCKY movie is on TV I just have to watch it. I just got the DVD box set and I watch each movie over and over again. I really like the bonus footage. I also bought "ROCKY" the game for X BOX! Hands down the best boxing game I have ever played and probably ever will play until maybe they release another one down the road. I am from Pennsylvania and Philadelphia is only a quick drive away. I always try to visit the Philadelphia art museum and every run a few times up and down the ROCKY stairs! On top of the stairs there is a mold of his sneakers, really cool to see! I have even gone to the Spectrum a few times to get some pictures of the ROCKY STATUE. Oh yea and you can play as the ROCKY STATUE in the video game! You can also play as Mickey! I always look like a nut hanging from the ROCKY STATUE but oh well I am just ROCKY's biggest fan. Oh and if you visit Philadelphia go to PATS STAKES home of the best cheese steaks in the world you will see that Sylvester Stallone was there and you will see ROCKY's name engraved in the front sidewalk! Check it out! In conclusion, even though this was a fictional character these movies defiantly pull you into a boxer's life that went from rags to riches. I also like these movies because of the great training scenes. If someone had to ask me what was my favorite ROCKY movie, I would have to say it is tied between ROCKY I and ROCKY IV, but for the best training and sound track I would have to pick ROCKY IV! SURVIVOR is the best! I hope Sylvester Stallone and MGM gets together and agrees on good budget for ROCKY VI! I know there are millions of fans out there, not only within the United States but in other countries waiting for ROCKY VI! I will leave you all by saying "YO ADRIAN I DID IT!"Thanks for reading my review!
Masterpiece
posted on 27 Mar 2009I love this movie. Sylvester Stalone's performance is brilliant. The budget for this movie was about a million, but god did they do a lot with only a million. The great music has become classic. Everyone knows the tune. It's just one of those things everyone knows like how the jeopardy music goes. That final fight is spectacular, truly showing Rocky's determination to go the distance. Beautiful movie making. On a scale of to ten, definitely a 12.
Better than Raging Bull
posted on 12 Mar 2009OK, that's not strictly true, but it grabbed your attention. And while Raging Bull is most probably a better piece of film art than Rocky, it's the latter that holds the title in the enjoyment stakes. And although Rocky is essentially one great big cliche, as Appollo Creed says: "A lot of other people are just as sentimental". And it's true, we are. And Rocky manages to stay just the right side of sentimental to stay charming rather than mawkish.Stallone's script is surprisingly effective for someone who later wrote Cliffhanger and who is traditionally painted as nothing more than a set of muscles and a mumble. However, Stallone's actual acting ability leaves much to be desired, and it takes Creed's rearranging of his facial features to shift his one expression into something else. But it can't detract from the fact that Rocky is extremely enjoyable hokum. It may not quite be what I think of as a deserving Oscar winner (maybe the competition was weak that year), but it is certainly more than worthy of the praise it receives from my action film loving friends.
Really, really, really good
posted on 03 Mar 2009An excellent film. Great acting, great plot, great everything. Takes you awhile to get into it, but, well, I've found that's usually the case with most of the really great movies I've seen. Anyways. I can't think of much more to say. Just watch it and see what I mean.
could very well be so cool as to heal broken air conditioners spontaneously!
posted on 28 Feb 2009It's like having your nipple licked, bit and sucked upon. Like your ear being bit, licked, then moaned into. That's right, this movie is that good!!! ROCKY is a legend given form in the shape of the biggest most satisfying, inspiring! Or simply… THE GREATEST MOVIE EVER MADE!This is basically a fairytale story in a different setting and feels very real. and at the heart of the movie is the greatest love story in the history of motion picture. thats right better than Jack and Rose in Titanic and better than Ryan O Neil and Ali McGraw in Love Story. here are two people totally devoted to each other and stay that way through six moviesThe script by Stallone is exceptionally good and completely deserved the Oscar. Rocky is a treasure of a character and Stallone plays him to perfection, he really should have picked up an Oscar for that as well.
Rocky: A fine fairy-tale for anyone
posted on 18 Dec 2008"Rocky" is for me much of a Fairy-tale, but it has been damaged by the bad sequels. Try to ignore the sequels, and pay your full attention to this film.'Rocky' is for me as good as 'Raging Bull' and should not be ignored just because it hasn't Scorsese´s stylish and lavished direction.This is a story of an ordinary man, and he is not a loser, but he thinks he is. That is the main thing with this film, and that is much of it's quality and it's big heart.Rating: 8 of 10.
stuff legends are made of
posted on 15 Dec 2008sylvester stallone made a lot of crap in his career... but he also wrote and starred in one of the best movies of all time and i will always respect him for that. "Rocky" the original movie, is a masterpiece that makes me cry each time i am watching it. The cast is amazing, the direction very inspired, the music pure genius and a lot of images from this movie are now part of our film legacy. The scene where rocky balboa successfully climbs the Museum stairs and raises his arms in triumph is one of the most moving moments in cinema history i can think of. the final shot, when the freeze frame on rocky and adrian goes to black and the wonderful score by bill conti plays on the final credits, always sends chills to my back.because of my love for the first rocky i will go and see rocky balboa....
Quick Reviews!!
posted on 21 Nov 2008Whoever accuses Sylvester Stallone of being incapable of acting needs to watch this and then ask themselves if they are a fool. Acting has nothing whatsoever to do with slurring lines if that is what the role demands, and here Stallone gives one of the most famous performances in Cinematic history. If Spacey and Norton could show the range of emotions Stallone shows in this, i would admit that they are great actors, but they haven't yet, so i won't. Sentimental (not a flaw) and inspirational, we cheer for Rocky and hope that he will beat Apollo Creed, but perhaps more importantly we want to see him and Adrian end up together.Stallone's script is sharp, Avildson's direction seems effortless, every performance is superb, the characters are real and the music is memorable and rousing. Lots of great images-Stallone and Shire in the ring at the end, Rocky running through the streets, the opening shot of the inner city boxing ring establishing where Rocky has come from. This must rate with Shawshank as one of the most uplifting films of all time, starring one of cinema's most famous characters. 9 out of 10
Not Every Loser Is A Loser
posted on 28 Oct 2008There is just something American about a bum rising up and making something about himself. Rocky Balboa has become synonymous with being a nothing, and proving that you can become something, and the 1976 film Rocky is where we find him. He's too small, too much of a nobody to do anything in his amateur boxing career, but when he gets his shot at the champion, Apollo Creed (played with all of the flair of an Ali-like boxer by Carl Weathers), he proves to himself that he can do something with his life. In true typical Philadelphia fashion, he is worshiped, not as a champion but as a guy with a lot of heart who didn't quite make it to the top. We Philadelphians have to take solace in getting close but we never get to the top. Sylvester Stallone wrote and starred in this Oscar winner for best motion picture of 1976, and portrays a down and out bum who had one shot and took it. In the end, he may not have won the fight, but he's happy with the girl, Adrian (Talia Shire), knows that he gave it his all, and came this close to be a world champion. The later Rocky movies were not quite as inspiring, because Rocky wins (in most of them), and where is the fun in that? Losing is still losing, but sometimes in losing, you find out something about yourself which is more important.
one of the best
posted on 07 Oct 2008Rocky is a modern Cinderella story about a down on his luck leg breaker / Boxer who is given a shot at the world heavywieght title by pure chance, Appollo doesn't pick him because he is a good boxer he picks him mainly because of his nick-name "The Italian Stallion". Rocky is written and stars Sylvester Stallone (Four of the sequels are also Directed by him) Stallone gives a very good performance as Rocky as is easily is best role, he has done many silly action films some work (Demolition Man) and some don't (Cobra) but who can blame him surely going on a film set using big guns, driving fast cars and yelling is the most fun job in the world, unfortunately those sort of roles don't get you much respect in Hollywood and Stallone is ridiculed often. The truth is Stallone is a good actor and rocky is a brilliant film, not many films can get an audience so emotional and Rocky does it without making an audience sad and make them cry but makes everybody in an audience jump up out of there seats and cheer, also not many other films use music so well, well done Bill Conti this has to be one of the best film scores in film history. I can't believe that this film isn't in the top 250 when it easily better than a lot of films in the top rated, quick everybody go out watch this and then vote 10 on IMDb i am on a mission to get this in the top 250.
My Favorite Boxing Film Of All Time, An Amazing Feel Good Story, With Lovable Characters, And An Oscar Worthy Performance From Stallone!
posted on 27 Aug 2009This is my favorite Boxing film of all time(along with Million Dollar Baby, but that's more of a drama then anything else), an amazing feel good story, with lovable characters, and an Oscar worthy performance from Stallone!. All the characters are wonderful, and the ending is very emotional, plus Stallone is simply incredible in this!. It's not all about boxing thought, it's more about, relationships, developing the characters,and working on story, as i think that worked extremely well, plus Rocky's fight with Apollo Creed, is sensational!, and very exciting. Burgess Meredith is wonderful as Mickey, and Stallone and Talia Shire had fantastic chemistry together, plus they were very natural, and convincing while on screen. Rocky's training sequences were a lot of fun to watch, and you will be rooting for Stallone all the way, i guarantee it!, plus the music is just fantastic!. I personally think it's one of the best films ever, and i loved the dialog!, plus Burt Young is extremely convincing as the violent drunk.There is not one unlikable character in this movie, and even though Carl Weather's character Apollo Creed, was extremely cocky i still found him likable for some reason, plus the whole movie is just pure magic!.This movie should definitely be on IMDb's top 250, and high, and it hasn't dated one bit, plus this film deserved it's best picture in 1976!.One scene that really moved me, is when Rocky invites, Adrian up to his house, and she is reluctant to do that, and Stallone did a wonderful job on writing this!, plus i am so glad Ryan O'Neil didn't get the part(That's who the producers wanted). The opening has a cool fight, and one scene that kind of frightened me is when Paulie loses it and starts winging the bat around and smashing things with it, plus i loved the setting as well!. This is my favorite Boxing film of all time(as well as Million Dollarr Baby, but that's more of a drama then anything else), an amazing feel good story, with lovable characters, and an Oscar worthy performance from Stallone, and if you haven't seen it, where have you been, Go see it now, i promise you won't regret it!, it's one of the best films ever.The Direction is masterful!. John G. Avildsen does a masterful job here, nothing fancy, but incredibly well done, especially the boxing scenes!, plus he kept the film at an extremely engrossing pace!.The Acting is Oscar worthy! Sylvester Stallone is amazing as always, and is incredible here,he is just so likable, had wonderful chemistry with Talia Shire, had a ton of charisma, and a heart of gold, he seriously deserved an Oscar for his incredible performance here, and it's definitely the best performance of his career, he also has a great boxing style!, he was incredible! (Stallone Rules!!!!!!!). Talia Shire is wonderful here as Adrian, she was shy, but extremely likable, cute, had wonderful chemistry with Stallone, had a great charm, and was really special i loved her!. Burt Young is excellent as the violent, drunk, yet we feel sorry for him, and feel for him, as he is a nice person underneath it all, he was really good. Carl Weathers is amazing as always, and is amazing here,he had an extremely cocky and arrogant character, but i couldn't help but love him, his character Apllo will be remembered for years to come!. (Weathers Rules!!). Burgess Meredith is absolutely wonderful as Mickey, he was gruff, and ruff on the outside, but on the inside, was a very nice person, he had some wonderful lines, and was just lovable overall!, he deserves a lot of credit for his wonderful performance here. Joe Spinell is good here, with what he had to do i liked him. Rest of the cast are great.Overall if you haven't seen it, where the hell have you been?, do so immediately you won't regret it!, it's one of the best films ever made in my opinion. ***** out of 5