70's Week: Rocky
Rocky Balboa struggles to make make a living by boxing in seedy clubs and collecting money for a local loan shark. He also tries to catch the eye of Adrian, a painfully shy young woman working at the pet store.
Rocky's fortunes change when Apollo Creed, the heavyweight boxing champion, comes to town looking for a local boxer to act as a replacement opponent in his next match after the previous guy backed out. Creed picks Rocky, finally giving the Italian Stallion a change at the big time and a shot at the title. No one takes the thought of Rocky being a contender seriously, but Balboa is determined to show everyone that he is more than just a bum from the streets.
I never used to like the Rocky films. As a matter of fact I downright hated them. Then Rocky Balboa came along and I actually watched it of my own free will and my opinion was changed forever. These films are actually quite good (apart from the fifth film, of course).
The story of Rocky Balboa could be seen as a parallel to that of Sylvester Stallone. before this film came along, Stallone was just another struggling actor. It was this film that gave Stallone a shot at the big time and made him a star.
I had forgotten just how sweet this film is at heart. Most people only remember the boxing, but there is a loving relationship between Rocky and Adrian as well. I never could figure out what Adrian's brother Paulie's problem was, though. I'm never sure whether I'm supposed to like him or not. He comes off as a real jerk sometimes. He kept harassing Rocky to get him a job and then there is his continual insulting of Adrian. Thankfully she eventually stands up to Paulie and calls him on his bullshit.
The boxing scenes were excellent. I loved the look on Apollo's face when Rocky knocked him down. Apollo underestimated his opponent just like everybody else and almost paid the price. Rocky might have lost the bout, but he went the distance and won the hearts of the audience.
I am endlessly amused by the fact that Burgess Meredith (Rocky's coach Mickey) also played the Penguin in the old Batman TV show. True story.
Five pointy hats.
Next time: Shaft
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