Rocky (1976)

 

Nowadays, everyone knows of this franchise and the name and character are so prevalent in every day vernacular that it sometimes is forgotten that the original 'Rocky' was a very serious drama. It only became a little bit silly and over the top by number 3 (and especially 4, even if it's irresistible in its own right). When one considers the 'Creed' films a rightful successor - which they are - then the roots are showing again. There's also plenty of documentation on how this film mirrors Stallone's life at that point, being absolutely broke and being given one shot. 

The rest, as they say, is history.

Rocky Balboa is a guy who is a bit down on his luck and only has boxing as a means to escape the daily grind. He fights in very low key circumstances and barely makes ends meet. He also has a sort of job working as a debt collector for a local loan shark named Gazzo. But Rocky is someone who tries to make the best of what he's got, even if it isn't much and he is a very good-natured guy at heart. He is in love with the very shy Adrian who works at the local pet store. Her brother Paulie is a loudmouth who  mentally abuses his sister. 

Yes, Paulie is pretty much an absolute douchebag, something which later films would retcon somewhat. 

The bicentennial is coming up, and current heavyweight champion Apollo Creed wants to put on a spectacle. This is why he decides to give an unknown boxer from Philadelphia the chance to step into the ring with him, as it would be great publicity. His eye falls on Rocky, who can't believe it, as he truly gets that he is about to get his ass whooped. But with some help from gruff trainer Mickey, Rocky gives it his all, as he feels he wants to prove himself and survive longer than three rounds, just so everyone can see that he isn't just another bum. 

There is so much to love about this one. The story still hits the spot after so many years and most people can relate to a tale of a person down on his luck but determined to show the world what their capable of one last time. 

Well, if you don't count the sequels, obviously.

This truly is Stallone's film, as he wrote it all, plays the main character and probably directed it as well, even if directorial credits are said to be John G Avildsen. Stallone has a natural charm and this is way before his larger-than-life, roided-up action hero insanity from the 80s (for which we also love the guy dearly, let's be honest). Rocky feels extremely relatable and Stallone can in fact act quite well. Just check his angry rant when Micky suddenly shows up to offer help after ignoring the poor guy for years. It's poignant, to say the least. 

But the cast is alround great. Burt Young is perfectly despisable as Paulie - even if you get that he's an asshole because life hasn't been good to him; Talia Shire grows exponentially in the role of Adrian and Burgess Meredith is spot on for Mickey. And who can forget the flamboyant Carl Weathers as Apollo, a cocky son-of-a-bitch who knows he's the best and flaunts it, yet is also human enough to let bits of his true self come through during the bout at the end. 

Heck, even if you don't like boxing, this is a great film. The later installments would focus more heavily on the sport-aspect, but this one is all about the people and their emotions and it still hits home: an absolute classic.