The Wasteland Reviewer

The Wasteland Review Request: Rocky (1976)

What is the greatest underdog story in the history of cinema? There are plenty of sports films (and others) that tell a story about someone or a group of people who are down on their luck and never expected to achieve. But there is only one iconic character who has captured the spirit of an entire ethnicity, a whole city, and the world of cinema quite like Rocky Balboa. Rocky is a Best Picture winner and one of the most beloved films of all time. Many write off the original due to how the franchise has evolved over time. If you use Rocky IV as a benchmark…then you might not expect impressive cinema from Sylvester Stallone’s creation. VI might be nothing but montages and music videos but Rocky is a truly great drama with blue collar grit and endearing emotion. This is a beloved classic for a reason.

What makes Rocky so special? Stallone’s screenplay is something special. The impressive amount of heart and soul he injected into his words gives Rocky weight like few inspirational films have. Rocky feels both like a 70s film AND a commercial juggernaut that could connect with so many audience members. This character is a lovable lug who is a lot smarter, crafty, and driven than anyone will give him credit for. Rocky is not a good enforcer for the mafia. His boxing career is unrefined and unfocused. Most think he is a moron. Even Apollo Creed, the World Heavyweight boxing champion, sees him as nothing more than a publicity stunt. But the biggest barricade of Rocky is himself. Stallone’s story is a moving journey of a man who has been pummeled down…but will never stop moving forward. This isn’t about becoming a champion. This isn’t even about beating the champ. His journey is so universal…showing the world you can succeed at something significant and find meaning in yourself. Rocky just needs to go the distance to show the world around him that he is worthy.

What elements of the story make it so special? The connections and relationships that Rocky makes along the way. The romance with Adrian is earnest and raw (if unrefined and challenging in a truly 70s kind of way). Adrian is timid and underestimated. Rocky is aloof and underestimated. Their date is one of the most charmingly awkward dates in film. Their trip to Rocky’s apartment is uncomfortable and awkward which ends in a passionate kiss that comes out of misunderstanding of social expectations. Rocky’s relationship with Mickey is a tenuous one and the friction between them gives the film plenty of drama. Seeing them bridging the gap in their once tight relationship is one of the most interesting elements of the film. Rocky and Paulie have a toxic friendship due to Paulie being a terrible person who has let his fruitless life jade him. These are two lonely men who find themselves in a friendship that is toxic but beneficial because of this loneliness. Rocky’s life is full of awkwardness, friction, and challenges. He is a blue-collar guy from the rough streets of Philadelphia. Rocky is Philadelphia…scrappy, passionate, and fiery. His conflict with Creed is a clash of personalities, upbringings, and lifestyles. Apollo is Hollywood. Rocky is Philly. Their boxing match challenges this so well in a thematic and metaphorical way. The final moments of Rocky screaming for the love of his life while ignoring the bullshit decision by the judges says it all about what Rocky is all about.

How does John G. Avildsen bring Stallone’s story to life and make it an all-time classic? First off, Avildsen certainly had some serious help thanks to Bill Conti. From the opening credits of the word “ROCKY” sliding horizontally across the screen, we notice Conti’s score and his work becomes one of the building blocks of the whole film. “Gonna Fly Now” is one of the single most recognizable songs in the history of film and changed sports movies forever. The way it builds excitement and energy for Rocky’s montage is electrifying. The song itself is infectious but the way Avildsen pulls this training montage together is a game changing bit of storytelling that has lived on in cinema for 50 years. The tone that Avildsen goes for in Rocky is so raw and dramatic. There is domestic abuse, violence, anger, and trauma that gives this film real weight and depth. This is not a cheesy montage-filled sports film. This is a rich and meaningful drama that first leads to a sporting event that is deeply rooted in the character of its protagonist. The empathy of the film is essential to the effectiveness of Avildsen’s direction. You feel for all these flawed characters with Rocky being the shining light of this great film.

What does Rocky prove? Stallone is a great actor. Stallone’s career would turn him into a movie star and specifically an action star. But Rocky is so deeply personal and raw that Stallone can leave every one of himself on the screen. His charm and awkward effect are endearing and moving for sure. The heart that Rocky possesses is from the great work of Stallone who makes him feel so authentic and lived in. There are a few emotional moments that show the depth that Stallone has that have been buried for decades after this. His confrontation and reconciliation with Mickey are a wonder to see. The physicality and raw emotion are both moving and intimidating. Talia Shire is so endearing in her awkwardness and quiet demeanor. Seeing Shire slowly peeling back the layer of her performance feels so satisfying thanks to the genuine performance. Burt Young is just too good as Paulie that you might even think he is really a scumbag in real life. Burgess Meredith is full of fire, grit, and vinegar as Rocky’s grizzled manager. Few supporting turns in sports movies feel so rich and impactful. Then you have Carl Weathers. You need someone larger than life and oozing charisma. Weathers IS Apollo. You never question his aura once throughout this larger-than-life performance. The casting of all the smaller roles is excellent as well with the city of Philadelphia coming to life so well is just awe-inspiring.

What is the biggest takeaway of watching the original Rocky? This is more than just a sports movie. So many of the sequels feel just like that but not Stallone’s first story. Rocky is a cinematic icon as he inspires so many people to chase your dreams and never give up. Tenacity and heart are the traits of the game. This impressive cast, iconic music, and moving story make Rocky a worthy Best Picture winner and a towering achievement in the world of cinema. Rocky Balboa has become so beloved that he represents the whole Greater Philadelphia area as well as any paisan out there.

Special thanks to Adriana Pacheco for nominating Rocky (1976)!