Rocky (1976) Movie Review

Synopsis:

Small-time boxer Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) from Philadelphia lives his life as a debt collector. An offer to take on world heavyweight boxing champion Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers) turns Rocky’s life around.

Review:

Rocky is a character that has continued to endure throughout the boxing world. His underdog nature and fighting spirit made Sylvester Stallone a star.

Despite some awkward dialogue and slow pacing, Rocky is a well-directed film.

Even though Rocky is well-directed, the film does spend its time setting events in motion.

This is evident in the film’s second act, with some inaudible dialogue and drama.

Though most of the film’s drama is well-acted, there are times when it affects the pacing. Regardless, the film’s positive message should help negate these flaws.

At its heart, Rocky is a film about perseverance and overcoming the odds.

These are qualities reflected in Sylvester Stallone’s performance. He displays Rocky with a sense of vulnerability and sparks of courage.

Actress Talia Shire also portrays her character Adrian with similar qualities. In their initial interactions together, Adrian is very subdued and timid.

This all changes when Rocky invites her into his apartment.

Rocky removes Adrian’s glasses and hat, which reveal a more confident woman. Their scenes together remain some of the most genuine in the film.

Rocky’s interactions with his boxing trainer, Mickey (Burgess Meredith), are also genuine.

While Meredith has limited time onscreen, he gives a more than capable performance.

Carl Weathers as Apollo Creed has unmatched charisma in the film. Take his entrance to the ring for his fight with Rocky as an example.

Creed enters the ring as George Washington, later posing as Uncle Sam once he steps inside the ring.

It demonstrates Apollo’s confidence, brought on by his status.

This confidence falters once Rocky knocks him down. It is an entertaining fight, both well-shot and impactful.

Rocky has two boxing fights in total. Though some fans may have wished for more, Rocky’s underdog story is the main focus.

From a filmmaking standpoint, Rocky is well-shot. Director John G. Avildsen captures Philadelphia and its many environments with wide shots.

His tracking shots when Rocky’s out running are also dynamic.

They include many sweeping angles of Philadelphia. One of these includes Rocky’s climb up the Rocky Steps to the city’s Museum of Art.

Playing alongside this scene is Bill Conti’s now-iconic “Gonna Fly Now.” It is a motivating and inspiring track, to say the least.

Bill Conti’s original music for the film also hits the right notes.

Take how he uses the piano in the film’s quieter scenes. These work well alongside the film’s visual style.

Conclusion:

To conclude, it is easy to see how Rocky has inspired fans. It doesn’t overwhelm the viewer with non-stop action or pointless messages.

Instead, director John G. Avildsen focuses on telling a human story with positivity. Though its pacing and approach to drama falter at first, it soon improves.

Take Rocky’s interactions with Adrian and Mickey as examples. Each one is genuine, serving to enhance the characters and the story.

These characters have many human qualities, such as courage and vulnerability. On the opposite end, Carl Weathers’s Apollo Creed displays unrivaled charisma.

All in all, Rocky’s performances are good. This film's visuals and soundtrack also complement the performances.

John G. Avildsen’s visual style is vibrant and effective.

He uses many wide and tracking shots to capture Philadelphia’s varied locals. Bill Conti’s music also complements these scenes.

He uses piano notes during quieter scenes and “Gonna Fly Now” for Rocky’s training. Each of these is well-used, with “Gonna Fly Now” being the standout.

Rocky is a film that, despite its pacing issues, has an inspiring message. For fans of sports dramas or those seeking a human story, it is more than recommended.

Sam’s Action Reaction score:

Characters - 7.5/10

Story - 7.5/10

Pacing - 6.5/10

Visuals - 7.5/10

Soundtrack - 7.5/10

Overall score: 7.3 out of 10