One man's struggle to be the best.

In Brief
Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) is a small time boxer in Philadelphia. He is street wise but not the most intelligent man in the world and struggles to make a living working in a meat packing factory and for a little extra as a debt collector for a local hood, Gazza. Gazza doesn't see rocky as the debt collecting type as he is too good natured and unwilling to break bones to get the money owed. He does however think he is a reasonable boxer as does his trainer Mickey (Burgess Meredith) who is angry with Rocky for not trying hard enough. Mickey sees the potential in Rocky as possibly going a long way in boxing but has all but given up on him as a 'bum'. Rocky's boss and friend Paulie (Burt Yong) has a sister, Adrian (Talia Shire), and visits her in the pet shop she works in. She is very timid and at first is too shy to to date him but he shows her that he is not the brute he appears and after persistently chasing her they fall in love. One day the reigning champion Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers) thinks he needs a boost in rating and wants to put together a fight with a local underdog. A fight with the common man, and pulls Rocky's name out as a challenger giving him the chance for the big time and a shot at the title, although in reality he will have little to no chance of winning. Mickey visits Rocky and convinces Rocky that he should take the opportunity given to him. With a little soul searching Rocky goes full steam to achieve his dream for himself and for Adrian. With the press and Apollo touting his name across the papers and TV he becomes a local hero and is encouraged by the people he meets on his training route. The stage is set and fight night approaches.

1st time Around
This is highly entertaining and the start of the legend that is Rocky. It shows the bleakness of the mean streets of Philadelphia and Stallone is great as the diamond in the rough. He portrays the character as a warm hearted guy well that is at odds with his surroundings as he faces depressing and harsh surroundings and an seeming insurmountable hill to climb, and you feel for the guy. It does take a little while to get going but I personally think this adds to the build up of the end fight which is a fantastic end to the film. Rocky just wants to show the world he has the guts to go the distance and to this end the film works. Its not an action film, its a feel good film and this builds to a climax with the end fight. The music is well chosen and gives the film and Rocky the right build up. Carl Weathers is great as Apollo and looks the champ he is portraying as is Talia Shire as the excruciatingly shy Adrian. This is a classic in every respect and started a series of films as the character was so likable and believable. If you have never seen it, watch it now and you will not be disappointed. For the hero in us all.

2nd Time Around
With such a likable character that is well played by Stallone and with a good supporting cast this is watchable time and time again and shows what Stallone can do acting wise. Its not Shakespeare but that is the point. An ordinary guy with a heart of gold. Outstanding.

10/10